THE federal government, if re-elected in July, will provide $1.5 million over three years towards the Tamar River Recovery Plan which will allow silt raking of the estuary to continue.
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Environment Minister Greg Hunt made the announcement at the edge of the troubled waterway on Tuesday, lauding the successes of the previous raking program to which the government contributed $2.5 million.
“At the time when we allocated the funds, we had hoped at best that 100,000 cubic metres of silt would be removed,” he said.
“In fact, we’ve achieved four-and-a-half times the initial estimates and best hopes.”
Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic said the funding was vital to ensure the good work continued.
“Our local community in Launceston have seen the progress that has already been made, and I am pleased this important work will continue under a re-elected Turnbull Government,” he said.
Launceston Flood Authority chairman Alan Birchmore said about 250,000 cubic metres of silt was removed in the previous program’s first year due largely to heavy water flow.
He said another timed release of water from the Trevallyn Dam this year could yield similar results if Hydro Tasmania agreed to it.
Mr Birchmore said the authority would spend $300,000 a year on raking with the remainder of the funds to go towards modelling and restoration work.
“We don’t need as much funding in this coming period because a lot of the heavy lifting was done beforehand,” he said.
“Raking is affordable and efficient so long as there is a good strong flow of water.”
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten was thankful for the funding.
He said the estuary was being used more often by rowers and tourism operators and more silt raking would allow for this to continue.
Cr van Zetten said the city was beginning to see more activity by the river through increased visitation to the redeveloped Penny Royal site.
Mr Hunt said if re-elected, there would be new Green Army projects to help improve the estuary including extension to existing habitat for the endangered Lesser Joyweed, local track work, native species planting and weed removal.