Cleaner waters are on the horizon for Sydney's world-famous eastern beaches as the NSW Government gets to work on a major project that will put an end to untreated wastewater discharges from Vaucluse, Diamond Bay and Parsley Bay.
Sydney Water is beginning the final stage of the Refresh Vaucluse and Diamond Bay project, delivering one of the most significant improvements to wastewater flows in the area in 30 years.
For the first time, wastewater from the three coastal outfalls in Vaucluse will be diverted to the Bondi Water Resource Recovery Facility, where it will be treated before being discharged through the deepwater ocean outfall.
The first stage of project involved constructing a new pipeline to divert flows from the Vaucluse outfall to Bondi. This infrastructure is nearing completion.
The second and final stage is now underway, which involves construction of an underground pumping station in Dover Heights and connecting pipelines to redirect wastewater from the two remaining outfalls at Diamond Bay to the Bondi network.
Wastewater is then treated at the Bondi Water Resource Recovery Facility and discharged through the deepwater ocean outfall, 2.2 kilometres off the coastline.
The project will deliver cleaner waters and better protect marine environment for residents and visitors along one of Australia's most recognisable stretches of coastline.
Much of the new infrastructure will sit below the surface, including the new underground pump station at Eastern Reserve and the connecting pipelines to transfer wastewater from the clifftop communities into Sydney Water's broader treatment network.
Community feedback has helped shape the project design, with a focus on reducing impacts on public spaces and maintaining the character of the surrounding area.
During construction, Sydney Water and delivering partner Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure will use a range of measures including noise mitigation, approved heavy vehicle routes, trenchless technology and chemical rock excavation methods where possible to reduce disruption.
Work is expected to be completed by mid-2028, marking the end of untreated wastewater discharges and leaving a cleaner, healthier coastline for generations to come.
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:
"The days of dodging a Bondi cigar are long gone, so people may be surprised to know that there actually is some untreated wastewater still being discharged from the cliff-facing ocean outfalls in Sydney's east. We're flushing it into the history books.
"This significant upgrade will make one of the world's most iconic coastlines even more beautiful, delivering cleaner waters for the people who live here, visit here and love this spectacular part of Sydney.
"Much of this infrastructure will be out of sight, but the benefits won't be. By 2028 these untreated wastewater discharges will be a thing of the past, leaving a cleaner, healthier coastline for generations to come."
Sydney Water Project Director Eddie Wu said:
"This is a significant and complex project that will help support the long-term growth and resilience of Sydney's wastewater network.
"The project involves careful consideration of environmental, operational and community factors, as well as the coordination of construction activities across a number of locations.
"Through detailed planning and collaboration, we are ensuring the infrastructure can be delivered safely while minimising impacts on local communities and the surrounding environment."
