Excitement was in the air at the Selfs Point Sewer Transformation project as 43 Year 8 female students from Fahan School traded their classrooms for boots and hard hats to explore one of TasWater’s most ambitious water and sewerage upgrades. This hands-on visit formed part of Fahan School’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) program.
Delivered through a joint venture between UGL, CPB Contractors, and TasWater, the Selfs Point project is TasWater’s largest undertaking to date. The upgrade will expand and modernise the existing treatment plant, futureproofing central Hobart’s wastewater network, supporting population growth, and safeguarding the health of the River Derwent.
As part of the project’s focus on education, inclusion, and community engagement, the students participated in a guided site tour. Highlights included the Selfs Point construction zone, the existing treatment plant, and the onsite laboratory. A water education session offered insights into the purification of recycled water, bringing theory to life in a practical, engaging way.
The tours were led by the project’s passionate subject matter experts, including inspiring women in engineering, science, and operations, who shared their career journeys and encouraged students to explore future opportunities in infrastructure and water services.
Currently, work at Selfs Point is focused on constructing new concrete structures for primary and secondary treatment, along with a new pumping station at Macquarie Point and the interconnecting pipeline.
This transformation is part of a broader upgrade to Hobart’s sewer network, which includes:
- Expanding the treatment plant to process up to 25 megalitres of wastewater per day
- Constructing a 4.3-kilometre pipeline connecting Macquarie Point to Selfs Point
- Decommissioning the aging Macquarie Point Sewage Treatment Plant
These upgrades aim to significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the Derwent River, enhancing marine health and ensuring the system can support Hobart’s growing population for decades to come.
The Fahan School visit highlights the joint venture’s commitment to providing meaningful, real-world experiences that inspire curiosity, celebrate diversity, and foster connections with the next generation of changemakers in the community.
