South Arm Irrigation Scheme proponents forced to alter water pipeline route at Opossum Bay

Community opposition has forced the proponents of an irrigation scheme to alter its water pipeline route. Meanwhile, water is hoped to start flowing in less than a year.

Michael Kerschbaum COO South Arm Irrigation Scheme with Mary Massina CEO South Arm Irrigation Scheme at staging post at Margate. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Community opposition has resulted in the proponents of the South Arm Irrigation Scheme changing its water pipeline route.

The scheme operators have lodged a development application for the pipeline with the Clarence City Council.

In September, work began $1.1m pipe that would pump recycled irrigation water across the Derwent River from a Blackmans Bay treatment facility to South Arm.

Meanwhile, South Arm Irrigation Scheme Chief Operating Officer Michael Kerschbaum said lodging the development application was a significant step in the project.

“The new and improved route follows community feedback and will result in a significantly reduced impact upon residents,” Mr Kerschbaum said.

“Compared to the currently approved route, it will take a large component of the pipeline outside of the township of Opossum Bay rather than follow the Main Road.

“When constructed, the pipeline will take the Class A recycled water from landfall at Algona Street and distribute it to end users, including to turbocharge local agriculture, for firefighting, other community uses, and the Arm End at Gellibrand Point Golf Course.”

A diagram of the old and new routes of the South Arm Water Pipeline through Opposum Bay. Picture: Supplied.

The developers behind the golf course at Arm End recently appeared in court after being accused of allegedly destroying or interfering with Aboriginal relics at the site.

The matter is set to return to the Hobart Magistrates Court on October 17.

Mr Kerschbaum said that plans for the construction and commissioning of the water pipeline remained on schedule.

“The ‘float and sink’ of the historic seven-kilometre cross-river irrigation pipeline is currently taking place and will be completed soon.

“It is anticipated that the first drops of treated Class A recycled water from our Blackmans Bay treatment facility will cross the river in the first half of 2025.”

The irrigation scheme proponents anticipate that the construction phase of the project will create 150 jobs, with Mr Kerschbaum saying that “at least 100” roles will be created once operational “through increased economic development due to water certainty”.

Originally published as South Arm Irrigation Scheme proponents forced to alter water pipeline route at Opossum Bay