A Legislative Council select committee is inquiring into the operations of TasWater

The cost of moving the Macquarie Point waste water treatment plant could far exceed government predictions and the relocation is not a priority, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.

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THE cost of moving the Macquarie Point waste water treatment plant could far exceed government predictions, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.

A Legislative Council select committee is inquiring into the operations of TasWater, including its compliance with regulators, its approach to trade waste, management of sewage treatment and the delivery of water services to the Tasmanian community.

During a public hearing on Tuesday Environment Protection Authority director Wes Ford said TasWater was “on a journey” of continuous improvement when it came to compliance with environmental regulations.

Macquarie Point wastewater treatment plant on Macquarie Wharf.

Mr Ford said in terms of environmental priorities the waste water treatment plant at Macquarie Point in Hobart was not high on the agenda for the EPA.

The state government has predicted moving the plant to make way for development at Macquarie Point will cost $140 million, and has set aside some of the funds.

“Macquarie Point is actually performing reasonably well, it’s not one of the priorities for us,” Mr Ford said.

If the plant was to be decommissioned and moved to Self’s Point, Self’s Point would been to be doubled in size, Mr Ford said.

“Not only are you talking about doubling the size capacity of something like Self’s Point but updating it to acceptable modern technology.

“I don’t think they are going to get much change out of somewhere like $150-$200 million to move Macquarie Point and upgrade Self’s Point.”