Tasmania’s ageing sewerage infrastructure is collapsing. Now, 90% of the state’s sewage treatment plants are not compliant with their environmental notices. TasWater has been forced to rely on hundreds of “bypass events” (releasing under-treated sewage directly into waterways) to manage its overflowing systems.

Half a billion litres of under-treated sewage was released without real-time warning into Tasmania’s waterways in just one year, in 2024-25. Swimmers, rowers, kayakers, and fishers who regularly access these waterways have unknowingly risked exposure to this toxic sewage pollution which can contain harmful pathogens and toxins.

In 2024-2025, over 27 million litres of this under-treated sewage was released just above Launceston’s key tourist destination, located in Health Minister Bridget Archer’s backyard - Cataract Gorge. This is a risk not only to the health of the residents who relax in the Gorge, but also the 400,000 tourists who visit this cherished site each year. 

In the same year, Cameron Bay Sewage Treatment Plant discharged 36 million litres of under-treated sewage, clouding the waters around the iconic MONA building. In the north of Tasmania, 10 million litres of under-treated sewage was released from Sheffield Sewage Treatment Plant choking Sheffield’s tiny Dodders Rivulet. 

While TasWater has identified plants in need of critical upgrades, it lacks the funds required to fix the problem quickly and many projects are expected to face lengthy delays. 

In the meantime, Tasmanian’s are left swimming in under-treated sewage. 

Tasmanians and tourists have the right to make informed decisions about their health, including if they are being exposed to under-treated sewage. 

It is critical that information about the location and duration of these pollution events is made publicly known as it happens. Health Minister Bridget Archer MP has already acknowledged the importance of data transparency in supporting Tasmanians’ health.

So, we are calling on Minister Archer to champion the health of all Tasmanians and work to ensure all sewage treatment plants are fitted with ‘real-time monitoring’ equipment, which can alert the public to the latest bypass sewage events. This will help prevent Tasmanians from coming into contact with hazardous, under-treated sewage. 

Tasmanians should be able to safely enjoy their local waterways.

Minister Archer, we encourage you to work with Water Minister Gavin Pearce MP, the Tasmanian Government and TasWater to begin rolling-out this program without delay. People deserve to swim, fish and paddle in Tasmania’s precious waterways safely and without fear of coming in contact with harmful sewage pollution.