Derwent Estuary Program renewed for another five years
Wooden boats at Hobart docks.
Image: Derwent Estuary Program
Environment Minister Matthew Groom joined the councils that border on the Derwent estuary (Brighton, Clarence, Derwent Valley, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough) and five major industry partners (Nyrstar Hobart Smelter, Norske Skog Paper, TasWater, the Tasmanian Ports Corporation and Hydro Tasmania) for the public signing.
Acting DEP Director Ursula Taylor said as the condition of the estuary improves, there is growing interest in conserving and enjoying the Derwent’s natural features.
“Since 1999 more than $150 million has been spent towards environmental improvements,” Ms. Taylor said.
“The Derwent is now showing promising signs of recovery. During the past decade, there have been substantial reductions in discharges of organic matter (>90%), heavy metals (>60%), and sewage-derived nutrients (10–20%), as well as improvements in stormwater treatment.”
The DEP has led initiatives such as:
- Monitoring pollution levels at swimming beaches and bays;
- Monitoring pollution levels in seafood;
- Increasing the area of protected wetlands by 40%; and
- To preserve iconic species such as the little penguin and the endangered spotted handfish.
More recently, the DEP has encouraged the enjoyment of the Derwent through the use of foreshore tracks by developing the Greater Hobart Trails website.
Read the Partnership Agreement.
Thursday 16 October 2014