Posted on April 13, 2021
The community has shared its concerns over the health of kanamaluka/Tamar estuary – and it appears the Liberal party have listened.
The Examiner can reveal that a reelected majority Liberal government will commit $4 million over the next two years to establish a dredging program aimed at fixing the trouble-plagued system.
Premier Peter Gutwein said kanamaluka/Tamar River was the heart of the North. “And that’s why we will do all we can to ensure access is maintained for rowing clubs, the Tamar Yacht Club, navigable channels and recreational locations.”
The commitment comes after extensive campaigning by The Examiner and concerned community members for a solution to issues impacting the river’s health.
Mr Gutwein said that during the first 100 days of government, the party would consult with all members of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce to determine the most appropriate governance model, including a whole of catchment statutory authority responsible for all aspects of strategic management of the waterway.
The commitment also includes up to $1 million annually to support the establishment and ongoing operations of the preferred model.
Our River – Exploring the health of the Tamar Estuary:
Mr Gutwein said that if required, legislation would be introduced to establish the “most appropriate governance structure” for the ongoing management of the catchment.
“The Tasmanian Liberal government is committed to improving both the amenity and health of the waterways, from the mountains through its tributaries, to the yacht basin and through to the sea,” he said.
“We are clearly mindful of the natural values of the river and estuaries, and the balance required to maintain its function as a working river that has significant value as a commercial and recreational waterway.
“Today’s announcement continues to build on the investment we have made and secured through the historic Launceston City Deal. Our record demonstrates that we have taken on the commitment to tackle the challenges of managing this critical waterway.”
Our River – Exploring the health of the Tamar Estuary:
In 2017 the state and federal governments announced about $95 million worth of funding to improve the health of the estuary as part of the Launceston City Deal.
The latest Health of the Tamar report card saw improvements across the catchment, but the stretch of river between Launceston and Legana still received a D rating.
Previously, Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer David Peach had called for the establishment of an independent authority to oversee the restoration, saying the health of the estuary was too important to get wrong.
“Launceston sits at the confluence of two rivers and an estuary; they’re intertwined with the fabric of the city itself and Greater Launceston. That system forms a big part of our history; and a huge part in our collective future,” he said.
“There are many stakeholders all wanting what’s best for the Tamar, that much is a given. But what’s best differs for each group, and for valid, important reasons that need to be heard and matched against opposing views.”
Seaport marina owner Errol Stewart also previously said while the mudflats would always be a feature of the estuary, something needed to be done to stop their continued growth.
“I don’t think it is reasonable to let the mud to continue building at the level it is building at the moment without any programs to solve it in some way,” he said.
