Used as a waste landfill site up until 1978, the $11.8 million remediation project will oversee the re-capping of buried waste across 30,000 square metres of open space that has caused cracking and slumps and subsidence on the grounds of the reserve.
The reserve will be closed to the public from late September for the duration of the rehabilitation works, which is expected to take around 15 months subject to weather conditions.
A remediation action plan has been developed by the Waste Assets Management Corporation (WAMC), which will lead the project. WAMC is the NSW Government’s central agency to remediate sites contaminated by past industrial uses.
Kempt Field is owned by the NSW Government’s Planning Ministerial Corporation (PMC), and is under the care, control and management of Georges River Council.
For more information, visit Kempt Field remediation.
Premier of New South Wales and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:
“I’m very proud that we’re able to deliver this critical upgrade to ensure Kempt Field can be a safe open space for residents for many decades to come.
“It’s been more than 40 years since the Kempt Field reserve was used for landfill, and I am delighted that this issue will be resolved once and for all so the park can be rehabilitated and returned to our community.
“We will also ensure any removed trees are replaced by appropriate vegetation in consultation with Georges River Council.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“Kempt Field is one of many public open spaces that are critical to the vibrancy of local communities, so it is imperative that we rehabilitate it to be a safe place to play for the residents of Allawah and surrounding suburbs.
“Nearby residents will continue to have access to numerous green open spaces in the vicinity, including Peakhurst Park, which has received a $110,000 grant to commence park redesign as part of our Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
“Furthermore, I am delighted that Georges River Council has committed funding to upgrade three nearby playgrounds at Woodville Park, Croot Park and Empress Reserve, ensuring there is ample green space across this area while we conduct these important works to rehabilitate Kempt Field.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“Although it was once landfill, Kempt Field has become an important community asset for families across the local area. This project will ensure long-term subsidence and landfill gases are remediated.
“I would like to thank the community advocates who have been calling for this issue to be resolved for many years. The Kempt Field project is an important example of the good work government can do to ensure public safety.
“We will begin notifying nearby residents in coming days of the works, and will ensure they are updated on how works progress.”
