A $160 million upgrade to the water resource recovery facility in West Camden has reached an important milestone with the planting of 3000 native river flat eucalypt forest species at Elizabeth Macarthur Reserve.
The biodiversity offset initiative is part of a major upgrade that will double the Sydney Water facility’s treatment capacity to service almost 200,000 residents, which will future proof the rapidly growing area until 2046.
Currently the facility supplies wastewater services to 100,000 people and generates recycled water for nearby agricultural use.
As part of the upgrades on national tree day, Sydney Water partnered with Downer, BMD and Camden Council, along with 160 volunteers, to plant 3000 endangered native Eucalyptus trees.
The upgrades are part of a wider plan to remove unwanted weeds from our waterways and establish erosion controls.
Sydney Water project manager Shree Pawar says the initiative is important to help improve the site’s biodiversity.
“We’re planning for Sydney’s future by upgrading our wastewater servicing capability and at the same time, creating more green spaces to help with cooling,” Mr Pawar said.
“Once complete, the West Camden water resource recovery facility upgrades will significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater released to our waterways.
“It’s all about further protecting our environment,” Mr Pawar said.
BMD NSW general manager John Vida says his company was honoured to play a part in the initiative.
“We look forward to identifying new ways to give back to the Camden Council region as we continue to work with Sydney Water to deliver the West Camden water resource recovery facility upgrade,” he said.
The upgrades are due for completion by mid-2025.
