Tasmania’s East Coast is set to see its sewage pump station switchboards transformed into colourful public artworks under a new TasWater initiative.
TasWater’s East Coast Art Trail will commission three Tasmanian artists to paint murals across towns including St Helens, Scamander, Orford, Triabunna, Swansea and Bicheno.
Head of Brand and Insights at TasWater, Jill Cummins, said the project aims to celebrate community identity while reducing vandalism.
“These artworks will reflect the strong connection between Tasmanian communities, water and the natural environment,” she said.
“The community has played a vital role in shaping the designs through a public two-stage voting process and we’re excited to see their choices brought to life.”
The trail is part of TasWater’s award-winning Asset Art Program, which has previously turned utility infrastructure into unexpected canvases.
Trawlwoolway Aboriginal artist Judith-Rose Thomas has begun work in St Helens and Scamander, focusing on native wildlife, coastal landscapes and cultural heritage.
Artist Melski McVee will bring her playful, nature-inspired designs to Orford and Triabunna. Her winning concept, chosen through community voting, features marine life and native flora in bright colours.
Meanwhile, Mel Fidler will complete murals in Swansea and Bicheno. Her work combines realism and abstraction, drawing inspiration from sea birds, rocky shores and changing seascapes.
TasWater said people can expect to see the artworks come to life over the coming weeks.
