Sydney Water has today begun construction on its $1.2 billion Upper South Creek advanced water recycling centre.
The recycling centre is a significant step forward in the sustainable development of Sydney’s Western Parkland City.
Once constructed, it will be one of the most advanced wastewater recycling facilities in the southern hemisphere.
The facility will be the largest built by Sydney Water in a decade. It will service up to 400,000 dwellings in the Western Sydney aerotropolis growth area in the years to come.
Minister for Water, Rose Jackson, says the recycling centre is a landmark investment in Western Sydney.
“Western Parkland City has a vision for a landscape-led approach to every aspect of its development, and we want to make sure we are contributing to cool, blue-green spaces for the community to enjoy,” the minister said.
“This is a city shaping facility that will use state of the art technology to provide wastewater services and high quality recycled water for a range of reuse applications locally.
When operating at maximum capacity, it will treat around 35 megalitres of wastewater each day and produce high quality treated water for sustainable use in homes and businesses across western Sydney and biosolid products for use in agriculture.
Sydney Water managing director, Roch Cheroux, who joined Campbelltown MP Greg warren in turning the first sod today, says the treatment plant is an exciting step toward securing Sydney’s water future.
“Our water supply is not endless; therefore, we need to take an all-options approach to ensure the ongoing supply of water for drinking, cooling and greening,” Mr Cheroux said.
“This facility will be a foundation for the circular economy in Western Sydney that will help deliver whole of community socio-economic benefits estimated to add $10 billion in value across the region.’’
The Upper South Creek advanced water recycling plant, which is located between Kemps and South Creek, is due to be operational in 2026.