Building the Pipeline, Protecting the Environment

When people think about building an irrigation scheme, they often picture excavators, trenchers and pipelines stretching across the landscape.

What they don't see is the environmental planning and specialist expertise that underpins every stage of construction.

As Tasmanian Irrigation's Environmental Manager – Projects, Gordon Williams is responsible for ensuring environmental considerations are integrated into project delivery from planning through to completion.

"My focus is on translating policy and approvals into practical, on-ground delivery," Gordon said.

"It's about ensuring environmental outcomes are achieved without compromising project performance."

For a project the scale of the Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation, that means much more than meeting regulatory requirements. It means understanding the landscape before construction begins and bringing together the right specialists to protect the environmental values that make the region unique.

"Good environmental management starts long before the first trench is dug," Gordon said.

"The more we understand about a site upfront, the better equipped we are to plan construction activities that minimise impacts while keeping the project moving."

Along the 102-kilometre pipeline alignment, environmental specialists are called on to assess and manage a wide range of values. Arborists help protect significant trees, ecologists survey threatened species and sensitive habitats, freshwater specialists assess waterways and crayfish habitat, while specialists monitor threatened bird species, including Tasmania's iconic wedge-tailed eagle, to ensure construction activities avoid sensitive breeding periods.

Their work also extends to erosion and sediment control, water quality protection, weed and disease management, rehabilitation planning and ongoing environmental monitoring throughout construction.

"The environmental team doesn't work alongside the project team, we are part of the project team," Gordon said.

"Our role is to work closely with engineers, contractors and landowners to identify potential issues early and find practical solutions that deliver good outcomes for everyone."

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to delivering major infrastructure responsibly. Every environmental assessment, survey and management plan contributes to a project that not only delivers long-term water security for irrigators but also protects the landscapes, waterways and wildlife that make Tasmania special.

"Ultimately, it's about leaving a positive legacy," Gordon said.

"We're building infrastructure that will support agriculture for generations, and we have a responsibility to do that while respecting and protecting the environment around us."