ERA Planning and Environment was engaged by the TasWater Capital Delivery Office (CDO) to obtain the planning permits for a significant upgrade at the existing Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant. The plant has been in operation since 1963 and is located near New Norfolk, in the Derwent Valley. The plant currently treats 110 ML of drinking water per day, which is supplied to extensive areas in southern Tasmania, including the main metropolitan area of Greater Hobart. It is therefore critical water supply infrastructure for over 200,000 people.

The planning approval strategy was divided into four development applications. The first permit enabled the demolition of the six dwellings on the site to make room for new buildings and infrastructure. Given the scale of the upgrades proposed, an extensive and specialised construction team will be required on site until the completion of the works. Therefore, the next two permits approved a construction site facility, and site preparation. The final permit, for the remainder of the site upgrades, was issued in January 2021. The upgrades included several new buildings and structures, additional car parking and roadways, remediation of the drying pans, and new landscaping and fencing around the perimeter.

The extensive works, including a new water treatment plant, are being undertaken in stages so that the existing water treatment plant can keep operating until the new plant is commissioned. This requires careful planning by the TasWater CDO staff to ensure there will be no impact on the water supply of Greater Hobart residents.

Construction has now commenced at the Bryn Estyn Water Treatment Plant.