Hobart’s sewer pipeline project enters new phase

Hobart’s sewer pipeline project enters new phase

Hobart’s sewerage transformation is moving full steam ahead, with the next stage of work bringing temporary traffic disruptions, but delivering long-term benefits for the city.

Beginning Monday, 3 March 2025, Queens Walk between Bellevue Parade and the Domain Highway will be closed to enable the installation of a section of a new 4.3km sewer pipeline.

TasWater’s Head of Major Projects Tim Cubit said access to Cornelian Bay, including the recreation area and the Cornelian Bay Boathouse restaurant, would remain open, but detours would be in place.

“We acknowledge that the closure of Queens Walk will cause some frustration for Hobart commuters,” he said.

“In planning the pipeline route, we carefully considered options to minimise traffic disruptions.

“This alignment was the best option to avoid major arterial roads while still allowing for the safe and efficient installation of this critical infrastructure.

Queens Walk will be closed for two months to enable us to build something that will benefit Hobartians for the next 50 years,” he said.

“Commuters will be able to get to where they need to go, but it may take a little longer than usual.

“We ask that people plan their journey, as there will be delays along the Domain Highway.”

He said the temporary closure would allow the project team to complete this next stage safely and efficiently.

“A pipeline of this size requires a great deal of digging and trenching, the only way to do that work safely is to close the road,” Mr Cubit said.

Further road closures and diversions will occur later in the year, mainly around Lower Domain Road and near McVilly Drive.

Part of TasWater’s Selfs Point Sewer Transformation project, the 4.3-kilometre pipeline will future-proof Hobart’s wastewater network, carrying 12 million litres of sewage per day to the soon-to-be upgraded Selfs Point Sewage Treatment Plant.

The project will see the existing Macquarie Point Sewage Treatment Plant decommissioned and replaced with a more compact state-of-the-art pump station. At the same time, the existing Selfs Point Sewage Treatment Plant will be upgraded and expanded.

“This project, including the new pipeline, will transform the way we manage Hobart’s sewage, unlock the potential for further growth of the city, and improve the health of the Derwent for future generations,” Mr Cubit said.

Once complete, the upgraded plant will treat up to 25 million litres of wastewater every day and will reduce nutrients entering the River Derwent by 50 per cent.

The project will provide an estimated 3,420 direct and indirect jobs and generate an estimated $1.1 billion worth of economic activity in the state.

TasWater is investing $1.9 billion in its network over the next five years to ensure it can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania.

Click here for more information about TasWater's Selfs Point Sewer Transformation.