Mount Stuart Water Tank Art - Tasmania

In April 2019, a talented group of street artists set to work on transforming a 4.5-megalitre concrete reservoir with vibrant and colorful murals. The artwork, which adorns the giant tank, depicts dynamic scenes of movie film reels painted across the walls, adding a striking visual appeal to the otherwise plain structure.

Rachaelle Downey, a Facilities Officer at TasWater, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting that it was a great way to add some much-needed color to what could have otherwise been a dull, industrial site. “The purpose, however, goes beyond aesthetics,” she explained. “TasWater’s reservoirs across the state have long been targets for unwanted graffiti. By inviting street artists to collaborate with us, we are less likely to see them randomly tagged with graffiti.”

This initiative has already shown positive results in other locations such as Rokeby, Mornington, and Bellerive, where similar street art projects have effectively reduced graffiti-related issues. The benefits of these art installations extend far beyond simply improving the landscape of these facilities.

Rachaelle further pointed out the significant financial savings associated with these artistic endeavors. “Removing unwanted graffiti can cost up to $70,000 from a single reservoir, and even more if there is further vandalism or damage incurred during unauthorized entry attempts.” This financial burden is alleviated through the collaboration with street artists, who not only beautify the space but also reduce the need for expensive maintenance and repairs.

Beyond the financial savings, safety is another critical concern for TasWater. Downey highlighted that unauthorized individuals attempting to access the facilities to carry out graffiti are at significant risk. “If street art can help deter this activity, it not only reduces the risks posed to individuals entering our sites without permission but also provides substantial financial benefits for TasWater. These savings can then be passed on to our customers.”

Additional Information:



To reach the location of the painted reservoir, visitors will need to drive up a winding and fairly steep road. It is recommended to drive a standard car, as larger vehicles like vans or motorhomes may struggle to navigate the incline. Benjafield Terrace is a dead-end street, but there is enough space for a U-turn at the end.