People are now free to swim at all parts of Blackmans Bay beach after the southern end was given a clean bill of health by the Tasmanian Government.

The southern end of beach was given a ‘poor’ water quality rating in late 2018, which resulted in swimmers being advised not to swim or undertake recreational activities there.

Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter was delighted to be able to announce the reopening.

“We could not be happier to announce that our water quality rating has been lifted and we can once again dive into the water with confidence,” said Mayor Winter.

“Our team has worked incredibly hard over the last two years to monitor, investigate and rectify issues that have impacted the water quality.

“Over 50 different faults, leaks, breaks and cross connections were found, which all contributed to resolving the problem.

“The results have been very positive across the past year and that’s given us the confidence to approach the State Government about lifting the rating,” Mayor Winter explained.

“In the past, it has taken decades for beaches to be made safe for swimming, so to achieve this in 18 months is something our whole council is proud of.

“We have an exceptional team of environmental health officers and engineers who have put a huge amount of work into this. 

“They have achieved something that has not happened since Derwent Estuary monitoring began.

“Our partnership with TasWater has been crucial throughout this investigation and we greatly appreciate their collaboration, along with the support of the Derwent Estuary Program.

“We also want to thank the Department of Health for taking the time to review the proposal while they continue to respond to the pandemic.

“We have valued their continued support and endorsement,” concluded Mayor Winter.

TasWater CEO Mike Brewster said it is pleasing to see the water quality rating raised at Blackmans Bay Beach in time for the warmer months ahead.

“It shows how successful the collaboration between TasWater, Kingborough Council and other members of the Derwent Estuary Program continues to be,” said Mr Brewster.

“Most importantly, it’s a great result for the people who live around Blackmans Bay and for everyone who uses and enjoys the area.”

As always, TasWater encourages members of the public to get in contact through their customer contact line on 136992, if they notice a leak or any other water or sewerage related issues.

The Derwent Estuary Program’s (DEP) Chief Executive Ursula Taylor also expressed her delight at the improved water quality at Blackmans Bay Beach.

“The collaborative effort between the DEP, Kingborough Council, TasWater, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Health shows that by working together, great things can be achieved,” Ms Taylor remarked.

“We are delighted that so much has been done to improve water quality to allow for safe swimming at Blackmans Bay beach.”

DEP coordinates weekly water quality monitoring at Hobart and Kingborough beaches from December 1 until March 31, with results published on the DEP website.

The work carried out by the council’s taskforce included an extensive monitoring program, source tracking investigation, stormwater management improvements and joint investigations with TasWater, the DEP and the EPA.

For more information visit www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/beach-watch

Pictured: Members of the Kingborough Council Water Quality Taskforce, including staff from the stormwater, engineering and environmental health departments, were pleased to be able to remove the polluted water warning sign from Blackmans Bay beach. Gathering to celebrate the news were (back L-R) Alexander Aronsson, David Reeve, Simon Woodhead, Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Dean Winter, (front L-R) Aby McGuire, Michael Steele and Deputy Mayor of Kingborough, Cr Jo Westwood. (PS)