Tasmanian Government funds Waratah recreational projects following decommissioning of dam

The Tasmanian Government’s announcement of $300,000 funding to Waratah-Wynyard Council to improve walking tracks at the Waratah Falls and revitalise the Waratah Rail Bridge as a tourism experience, follows notification by TasWater that the expression of interest process to identify a new owner for the Waratah Dam has been unsuccessful, leading to likely decommissioning of the dam.

Both of the new projects are considered to be community priorities, identified in the Waratah Community Plan being progressed by the Waratah Community Board.

Last year, TasWater invited submissions from suitably experienced and qualified parties to take over ownership of the Waratah Dam, located approximately 1.3 kilometres south-east of the township of Waratah, and 60 kilometres south-west of Burnie in Tasmania.

TasWater took over the ownership of the dam in 2013 from Cradle Mountain Water, who in turn took ownership of the dam from Waratah Wynyard Council in 2010.

The Tasmanian Government worked in conjunction with Waratah-Wynyard Council and TasWater to find a solution that would allow a new owner to take over the dam, but despite all three parties working together collaboratively, a financially viable outcome could not be achieved.

Interested parties were required to demonstrate their suitability to take over, repair, monitor and maintain the dam.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh noted “clearly the community will be disappointed with the outcome of the Waratah dam expression of interest process, however we hope that both the Council’s and Government’s contribution to these new priority projects will offset some of those feelings.”

The people of Waratah had  hoped to save the dam for future generations as it is part of their mining history being well over a hundred years old and is home to many protected species including platypus, freshwater crayfish, devils plus many more species of birds and plants and is a popular trout fishery as well as kayaking and recreational place.

State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson said the Government has been working with the Council to progress other community projects.

Minister Ferguson notes “the improvement of the Waratah Falls walking tracks and a viewing experience/interpretation alongside the Waratah Rail Bridge was put forward.

“We look forward to seeing visitors and tourists alike enjoying these experiences.”

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh said the walking track project would benefit the community for decades to come and is the start of a staged program of improvements for the Waratah Falls area.

Mayor Walsh added “much can be done to maximise the tourism and economic benefit of the falls and we thank the state government for their support for both of these projects.

“Securing this funding has been achieved through the Waratah community identifying priorities and the Community Board undertaking the critical work to keep these matters progressing.”

Image of Waratah Falls courtesy of Visit Cradle Coast https://visitcradlecoast.com.au/