Coogee stormwater solution in sight

Stormwater will be diverted away from one of Sydney’s iconic beaches, improving water quality and the marine environment, thanks to an investment of around $2.5 million from the NSW Government.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Utilities Don Harwin and Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith announced today that the Government will fully fund a joint project with Randwick Council to divert stormwater from the council’s stormwater system away from Coogee Beach.

“NSW’s beaches are famous around the world and we are working hard to ensure they remain in pristine condition,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Stormwater can negatively impact water quality at beaches, particularly in built-up urban areas like Coogee and the funding we are announcing today will ensure we can fix this problem.

“Improving water quality for beachgoers and protecting the environment is a major priority for the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.”

In November, the Government announced that the last three remaining ocean outfalls in NSW at Vaucluse and Diamond Bay will be closed and redirected to the Bondi wastewater treatment plant.

Mr Notley-Smith said the project announced today was a major win for Coogee locals, the marine environment and visitors to the iconic beach.

A working group involving Mr Notley-Smith, Randwick Council, Sydney Water and the community has been working to find a solution to this problem.

“The Coogee Beach Working Group will meet shortly to consider the findings of a feasibility study into options to divert stormwater from Coogee Beach to Sydney Water’s wastewater network,” he said.

“The technical solution to be considered by the Working Group is likely to be up to $2.5 million in capital costs.

“Today’s announcement gives the community confidence that once a solution is agreed, it can move ahead swiftly as it will be fully funded by the Government.”

Minister for Utilities Don Harwin said the project will involve diverting stormwater at both the northern and southern ends of the beach into Sydney Water’s wastewater network.

“Even though Coogee’s water quality was rated ‘good’ in this year’s State of the Beaches report, I believe this project will make the water quality at this iconic beach excellent,” Mr Harwin said.

“I congratulate Sydney Water, Randwick Council and Mr Notley-Smith for working collaboratively to investigate potential solutions for the benefit of the community.”

Sydney Water will provide ongoing project support to Randwick Council to implement the solution, which is expected to take 18 months to complete.