The NSW Government is today unveiling Western Sydney's newest major piece of water infrastructure which will enable more than 140,000 new homes and businesses to be connected to critical wastewater services.
The $1.2 billion Badu Yarragul Water Resource Recovery Facility at Kemps Creek will help power the next chapter of growth across Western Sydney, providing essential wastewater services to support new homes, jobs and economic growth across the Aerotropolis, Bradfield City and the surrounding region.
On opening, the new facility can treat up to 35 megalitres of wastewater each day, producing biosolids that can be reused in agriculture and forestry and enabling recycled-water opportunities.
It is one of the most advanced wastewater recycling facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, using a membrane bioreactor and reverse osmosis to produce exceptionally high-quality treated water.
Future upgrades are already planned that will double the facility's capacity up to 70 megalitres per day, supporting a footprint of more than 280,000 new connections.
Badu Yarragul, meaning freshwater cleaning, reflects both the purpose of the facility and its location on Wet Country.
Sustainability has been embedded throughout design and construction, including:
- A four-megawatt solar farm capable of generating half of the facility's energy needs
- Internal roads incorporating a world-first combination of recycled coffee cups and low-carbon binder
- Pipe bedding made from recycled glass
The new facility forms a cornerstone of Sydney Water's long-term vision to support a circular economy in Western Sydney while supporting new homes, jobs and economic development.
This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building the essential infrastructure Sydney needs to grow and thrive today and into the future.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:
"As Western Sydney communities grow around the Aerotropolis and Bradfield, the Minns Labor Government is ensuring we're investing in the infrastructure required to support that development.
"The Minns Labor Government is planning ahead and delivering this infrastructure alongside new homes, unlike the former government who rezoned land for housing but didn't provide the essential services families required.
"This facility will support local jobs, strengthen Western Sydney's economy, and ensure the region has the infrastructure and services needed for the future."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Rose Jackson:
"For too long, a lack of investment in essential infrastructure in Western Sydney has left growing communities high and dry, limiting growth and opportunity.
"This is one of the most advanced water facilities in Australia and a significant milestone for NSW, supporting a cooler, greener city that is future-proofed for tomorrow.
"This opening is exciting for Western Sydney, but it's not the end of our commitment to building better communities. We're supporting Sydney Water to upgrade and expand our 138-year-old network with significant upgrades now underway across Sydney including treatment plants at Rouse Hill, Riverstone, Quakers Hill, Liverpool and Glenfield."
Quotes attributable to Sydney Water Managing Director Darren Cleary:
"Badu Yarragul is a critical piece of infrastructure that will support Western Sydney's growth for decades to come.
"Every aspect of this facility has been designed with the future in mind to support hundreds of thousands of people as our city grows.
"Receiving global recognition for its sustainability performance is a testament to the collaboration, innovation and expertise of Sydney Water and our delivery partner to deliver this landmark project.
"Badu Yarragul truly sets a new benchmark for what modern water infrastructure can achieve."
