Waste Water

To flush isn't the end of the line

An on site waste water managment system education Toolkit has been developed by Workplace Standards Tasmania in consultation with the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Environment Division of the Department of Tourism, Arts and the Environment (DTAE) as a collaborative approach to protect community health and the environmetal health of our freshwater and marine waterways.

Failing on-site waste water managment systems, and in particular septic tank systems have been recognised as a possible factor contributing to the declining health of some of our waterways.

A working group with representatives from State and Local Government have developed the toolkit, which has been endorsed by DHHS and LGAT and Environment.

The kit helps homeowners identify what type of system they have, provides tips on how to keep their system working well, and provides a form to record maintenance.

It is available free to all home owners in King Island with on-site sewerage facilities.  For more informatino or a copy of the toolkit, contact Doug Burke on Ph:  (03) 6462 1177.  

GRASSY

Sewage at Grassy is treated using the treatment plant installed by the former mining company.

CURRIE - SEWAGE TREATMENT WETLANDS

The Currie Sewage Treatment Wetland received national recognition when it won the Local Government Category of the Banksia Awards 2006 on the 22 July 2006.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Weidt said at the Banksia Awards in Melbourne that "The wetland that the Council developed is a remarkedby simple yet innovative way, of treating wastewater." Ms Weidt also said that "It is great to see Tasmanians recieving national recognition for significant environmental initiatives being undertaken."

In accepting the Banksia Award, Mayor Charles Arnold said "This is an environmental achievement which all King Island residents should be very proud. The award further enhances the high standard of environmental awareness that is automatically associated with the King Island Brand. All King Island residents should be out bragging about this achievement."

The Local Government Associaton of Tasmania also recognised the significance of the wetland when it won the Sustainable Community Asset Category in the 2006 Awards for Excellence while also being the Gold Award winner as the best local government project in Tasmania for 2006.

The Official Opening of the Currie Sewage Treatment Wetlands was held on 22 November 2005. The Hon Senator Richard Colbeck officially activated the operational machines and unveiled the plaque.

All members of the Community were invitied and it was pleaseing to see so many taking an interest in the project. The school was also present with grades 7,8 and 9 students being taken on a guided tours by designers, Syrinex Environmental Pty Ltd. A casual BBQ and light refreshments were served following preceedings.

Wetlands Brochure: Page 1, Page 2

Residents must not introduce petrol, oil, paints, solvents or other industrial wastes into the sewerage or stormwater systems.