The EPA is delighted to join as a new partner for the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) and looks forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring in assisting the coordination of initiatives to reduce water pollution and monitor river health.
The Derwent estuary lies at the heart of the Hobart metropolitan area and was a major route for palawa/pakana people between the coast and hinterland for around 40,000 years. The Derwent is also a waterway of great natural beauty and diversity. It is an integral part of Tasmania's cultural, economic and natural heritage as well as an important and productive ecosystem that supports a wide range of habitats and species.
The DEP was established in 1999 as a voluntary partnership between state and local governments, industries, scientists, and the community to share science to guide environmental management of the Derwent estuary.
A key role of the DEP is to coordinate and support monitoring activities and scientific investigations, and to compile and distribute the resulting information in regular reports, including five-yearly State of the Derwent Report and annual Report Cards.
The EPA has worked with the DEP over many years to address water quality issues. As Tasmania's regulator on activities that may impact environmental quality, the EPA looks forward to continuing this relationship in an official partner capacity.
The EPA is now one of fifteen partners in the program. Other partners include the Clarence City Council, City of Hobart, Brighton Council, Derwent Valley Council, Glenorchy City Council, Kingborough Council, the Tasmanian Government, TasPorts, TasWater, Hydro Tasmania, Norske Skog, NRM South, Nyrstar Hobart and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.
To learn more about the work of the DEP, visit Derwent Estuary Program | A partnership between state and local government and industry in southern Tasmania, Australia