A new governance model for the Tamar Estuary is being investigated by the state government, but discussions over what model should be best for the future is also being considered by the existing authority - the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce.
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Criticism has been levelled at the TEMT in recent years, with river users such as the Tamar Yacht Club and the Tamar Action Group saying management plans and options presented by TEMT failed to take into account their views.
State Development Minister Michael Ferguson said he was aware that ongoing discussion on governance model options were being conducted by TEMT.
"I am aware the TEMT has had ongoing discussions on governance model options and key stakeholders have also been consulted by the Department of State Growth," Mr Ferguson said.
River users have focused their attention on how best to management sediment build up in the estuary, particularly in the Launceston area, while TEMT considers all aspects of the river's health, including water quality and the ecology of the area.
However, sediment build up has raised the ire of the community, particularly in Launceston, with many saying they refuse to love the mud as it stands.
Mr Ferguson said the state government was meeting all its obligations regarding the future of the Tamar Estuary's health.
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"The Tasmanian Liberal Government is continuing to improve the amenity and health of the whole of the Tamar Estuary catchment which is why we are working with the TEMT members to determine the most appropriate enduring governance model for the future and ongoing management of the estuary," he said.
TEMT, which is made up of stakeholders from across all levels of government and includes members from local government, Hydro Tasmania, and the Department of Natural Resources, among others.
It was set up as part of the Launceston City Deal to manage funding for river health projects including sediment management, water quality and community projects.
Mr Ferguson said he had also personally written individually to all TEMT members on the matter of future governance and had received their replies, which he will consider parallel with the advice he will receive from State Growth.
"These discussions and options for the best long-term governance model for the future of the estuary system (including river health and community spaces) are now being considered by State Growth which will provide advice to me in due course."
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