LAST DAYS FOR OCEAN OUTFALLS ON THE HORIZON

The last sewage pipes in the state that direct wastewater into the ocean will be switched off by the NSW Government to protect our beaches, reduce pollution and improve water quality.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the last three remaining ocean outfalls at Vaucluse and Diamond Bay will be closed and redirected to the Bondi Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“These outfalls are a legacy from Sydney’s early wastewater network. While there’s no easy way to fix them, we take our responsibility to protect the environment and public health very seriously,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This significant project will address the pollution from the last untreated ocean outfalls, and deliver benefits for residents in the area, the marine environment and for Sydneysiders who enjoy the iconic coastline,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Minister for Utilities Don Harwin said the project was an important step in bringing the wastewater system for the Peninsula up to the same standard as the rest of Sydney.

“The community agrees it’s important to stop our untreated wastewater being discharged directly into the ocean,” Mr Harwin said.

“Sydney Water has been engaging with the community to consider the available options, and it’s pleasing the preferred solution is one that delivers the desired environmental outcomes at the least cost.”

Environment Minister and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said the announcement of the solution was a win for the local community and for the environment.

“This is something my local community and I have been campaigning about for years and I am proud as local member to help deliver this outcome,” Ms Upton said. “Sydney’s oceans and beaches are the cleanest they’ve been for nearly a decade. They will only get better after this investment to fix a problem that sat for too long in the too-hard basket.”

Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith said it was a big win for a water loving community.

“This is amazing news – the people of my community love the coastline and I know swimmers, kayakers and fishers will be thrilled to hear this project is getting the green light,” Mr Notley-Smith said.