The NSW Government has announced a $700 million investment over the next financial year to maintain, renew and upgrade critical infrastructure across Sydney’s water network.
Minister for Natural Resources, Lands and Water, Kevin Humphries, said the government has invested more than $1.8 billion in Sydney Water’s infrastructure network since 2011.
“This infrastructure investment will continue with a commitment of $700 million in 2014-15, which represents an increase of 25 per cent on 2013-14,” Mr Humphries said.
“Over the course of the year there will continue to be a focus on growth works to service new developments, as well as improvements to ensure the ongoing reliability of the system in other areas.”
Major projects planned for 2014-15 include:
• $268 million for wastewater treatment plant and wastewater pipeline upgrades;
• $171 million for works to service growth in urban development; and,
• $71 million to maintain water distribution systems.
“This investment enables Sydney Water to expand, maintain, renew and upgrade its network which includes 45,000 kilometres of water and wastewater pipes, more than 800 pumping stations, 252 reservoirs, and 38 treatment and recycling plants across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra,” Mr Humphries said.
A number of major projects have been undertaken this year, including:
• $131.8 million for works to service growth in urban development, particularly in the south west and north west growth centres;
• $108.6 million to improve the reliability of the wastewater network and to upgrade wastewater treatment plants;
• $58.2 million to maintain water distribution systems;
• $28.3 million for the critical water main upgrade program;
• $8.3 million for stormwater assets renewals; and,
• 1,944 households will be have a sewer connection for the first time in Bargo, Buxton, Douglas Park & Wilton mid this year as a part of the $160 million Priority Sewerage Program with a further 646 households being connected in Galston and Glenorie by mid-2015.
“This investment highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to providing high quality and reliable services to the people of Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains,” Mr Humphries said.
