Fifth-generation farm at a standstill due to contamination

The future of Kate Tucker's family farm in Tasmania is uncertain, choked by sewage contamination flowing from the state's second-largest airport. The 160-hectare property, once known as The Springs for its abundant water, now faces unusable creeks and dams. For the first time in five generations, the farm is effectively halted.

"It's incredibly stressful," Ms. Tucker stated, emphasizing her commitment to the legacy farm. A primary concern is the nearby sewage treatment plant, which processes all waste from Launceston Airport. Documents reveal the plant is operating at over three times its intended capacity. Ms. Tucker also reported that some farm waterways have tested positive for harmful PFAS chemicals, yet authorities have been slow to act, a situation she attributes to weak environmental regulations.

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It's incredibly stressful. But it's a legacy farm. It's not something that you want to walk away [from].

Her father, David Hughes, described the struggle as "soul destroying" as he watched his daughter face numerous obstacles in securing the farm's future. The family has farmed in the region for at least five generations. The current crisis stems from a decision made in 1982 when the Tucker family converted part of their property for the Western Junction Sewage Treatment Plant, which now serves the industrial precinct, local households, and the airport.

Originally designed for fewer than 100 kilolitres of sewage daily, the plant now receives an average of 309 kilolitres per day, a figure expected to rise. TasWater's chief scientist, Graham Hawke, explained that the plant uses "floating wetlands" and sunlight for treatment, but Ms. Tucker worries the high volume of waste reduces the effectiveness of this process, impacting the quality of effluent discharged into the creek on her property and subsequently the North Esk River.

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It's soul destroying.