The recent budget announcements from the State Government included a very welcome announcement regarding investment in a longer term solution for the stabilisation of the Prosser River mouth at Orford.
In December 2014, the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council approved the allocation of $250,000 towards the project over two years, with MAST committing to match this investment and the State Government now confirming a direct contribution of $500,000 to the project.
Mayor Michael Kent said:
“This is a very welcome budget decision from the Liberal Government on what is an important local marine project. Not only is this important from the perspective of encouraging growth in the Orford/Triabunna area and supporting local businesses but it is necessary to deliver a longer term solution to what is a serious erosion problem threatening the Tasman Highway, Raspins Beach, private residences and a shore bird nesting area at Orford. It is co-operation like this between different levels of government that is the future of regional progress and development in Tasmania. It enables more investment in longer term solutions rather than solutions that in the past have unfortunately been short term based on very limited available funding.”
The Prosser River stabilisation project will involve the installation of a “training wall” made from geo-textile bags to retain stability of the river mouth, protect the northern shoreline and Raspins Beach, and improve navigation safety, requiring much less frequent dredging.
This commitment by the State Government and Minister Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure, will ensure long term cost savings for what has been an ongoing issue from a safety and environmental perspective.
Mayor Michael Kent, Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
