Work is now underway on a $20 million project to connect properties in Cowan to Sydney Water’s wastewater scheme.
Sydney Water’s General Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Ian Payne was joined by Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean and Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, Steve Russell at Ian and Lois Best’s property to mark the first installation of the new wastewater equipment.
Sydney Water’s Ian Payne said the event was another positive milestone for the Cowan Wastewater Scheme and great news for the local community and environment.
“By connecting to the wastewater scheme, residents will help reduce odours and eliminate dampness and seepage on their properties that can be caused by on-site systems,” Mr Payne said.
“Construction is progressing well and connections are expected to be made available for around 220 properties by mid-2014. To date, approximately 1530 metres of pipe have been laid and 42 properties have had their boundary kits installed.
“Sydney Water is working closely with property owners to minimise the impact of work and to help them prepare for the installation of the new equipment and connection to the wastewater system.”
Mr Payne said that the Cowan Scheme will be a pressure sewerage system and there will be a 3.4km pipeline along the Pacific Highway to the existing wastewater system in Berowra.
“Once connected, wastewater will be collected in a small tank installed on each property. The pump located inside the tank then pumps the wastewater through to a network of pipes usually located in the road reserve.
“The wastewater is then transferred to the Hornsby Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.”
Member for Hornsby, Matt Kean said the Cowan Wastewater Scheme is most significant public infrastructure moment for residents in Cowan since the construction of the railway.
“In my election campaign I made sewerage connection one of my top priorities so to see construction starting is very exciting,” Mr Kean said.
“These residents have been ignored for too long by previous Labor Governments and the Coalition is committed to provide these forgotten residents with essential public infrastructure services.
“As we’ve seen in Brooklyn, the Wastewater Scheme will be of great benefit to the Cowan community.”
The NSW Government’s Priority Sewerage Program aims to provide improved wastewater services to unsewered urban communities in Sydney and the Illawarra. The Blue Mountains program was completed in 2009.
The Cowan Wastewater Scheme is part of the $150 million Priority Sewerage Program to deliver improved wastewater services to six village areas by 30 June 2014.
