Wastewater upgrades for South Coast and Southern Highlands

Construction is now underway to deliver new and improved sewage services for the South Coast and Southern Highlands, thanks to a multi-million dollar investment from the NSW Government.

The investment includes:

• $3 million to link 57 households in Akolele to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment Plant, co-funded by the NSW Government and Eurobodalla Shire Council
• $6.6 million to help Wingecarribee Shire Council deliver a $47.7 million wastewater upgrade for Bowral which will increase capacity by nearly 50 per cent.

Connecting Akolele to the Bermagui Sewage Treatment is expected to be completed before Christmas while the upgrade to Wingecarribee Shires wastewater treatment plant is due for completion in late 2025.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Akolele and Bowral have been relying on ageing infrastructure which needs to be modernised to improve services so the towns can continue to grow and thrive.

“The South Coast and Southern Highlands are popular locations to live and visit and this investment will ensure they have the infrastructure needed to continue to providing safe and reliable wastewater services.

“Akolele is the only village on the stunning Wallaga Lake without access to modern sewerage services, so getting this work done in the lead up to the busy Christmas period is a top priority.

“The new sewage scheme in Akolele will mean residents no longer have to depend on private septic tanks which are expensive to maintain.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“This project is fantastic news for Akolele residents and the many visitors that frequent the area.

“This is a pristine part of the world and the new sewage scheme will help to protect the area from the risks of contamination which can come hand in hand with private septic systems.

“It’s monumental that, we’re giving the village access to modern sewage services for the first time and I know this will be life changing for many residents.”

Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher said:

“We know septic systems will always be part of the mix, particularly in rural areas, but many people don’t have suitable space or soil and they run the risk of tank failure, leading to contamination of environmentally sensitive areas.

“The investment is vital in helping us improve the protection of our beautiful landscape and will deliver up to 10 full time and part time jobs during the build.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s General Manager Lisa Miscamble said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s support and said the upgrade is all about looking to the future as the population continues to increase.

“The upgraded facility will provide a robust and reliable service with increased capacity and proven technology for enhancing the quality of water released into local waterways.

“Moving this project forward is a major win for residents, businesses and the environment while supporting the implementation of Council’s Local Housing Strategy.”