en.Wedoany.com Reported - A new truck wash facility has been commissioned in Smithton, at the northwestern tip of Tasmania. The project, costing A$3.1 million, supports livestock transport, biosecurity, and waste management, with the facility designed around the current and anticipated needs of the Circular Head livestock industry and replacing existing infrastructure.
The wash facility features three bays, two of which are flushing bays suitable for livestock transporters up to twin-deck B-double size, with the third bay available for other commercial vehicles, easing competition for wash space during peak periods. Operators can flush and empty waste storage tanks before vehicles return to public roads.
Livestock transporters operate between farms, saleyards, processing facilities, and public roads, and may carry manure, soil, and organic matter. Dedicated wash points help reduce the risk of pests, weeds, and pathogens spreading across regions. The project was jointly funded by the Tasmanian Government, the Australian Government, and TasWater, with the site owner additionally funding the construction of driver rest facilities. The facility is designed to separate solid and liquid waste, with solids collected for treatment and liquids disposed of via the TasWater sewerage network, providing a controlled alternative to roadside or informal washing.
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said the facility would meet the growing demand for livestock transport services and support the sustainability of the state's red meat industry. Federal Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart, said the truck wash was part of the infrastructure needed to protect regional industries and another way to safeguard biosecurity.
TasWater's General Manager of Project Delivery, Tony Willmott, said the project reflected the company's commitment to investing in infrastructure that protects the environment, supports sustainable waste management, and delivers long-term benefits for Tasmania. The larger, dedicated space at the new facility reduces the time needed to wash and recommission livestock transport combinations and lessens the need for operators to wash at unsuitable locations. The facility is also designed with animal welfare in mind, providing drivers with a rest area between livestock transport tasks, and helps fleets maintain vehicle presentation, equipment condition, and compliance with livestock transport regulations.
Circular Head Mayor, Gerard Blizzard, said providing a dedicated wash facility before livestock transporters return to the road network helped keep local roads clean and improved comfort for residents and motorists. The Cradle Coast Authority assisted in securing project funding and informed the facility's design through research into livestock transport vehicle movements and future industry growth. The authority's Chief Executive Officer, Philip Reid, said livestock transport was vital to Tasmania's economy, and the project would strengthen biosecurity measures while supporting continued industry growth.
The project was delivered by a contractor based in Burnie, supporting local employment and procurement. Upon completion, the livestock industry in northwestern Tasmania now has access to a higher-capacity wash facility that meets the demands of modern heavy vehicle combinations and regional growth.
