Support for new water and wastewater system on Scotland Island
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Scotland Island is one of the most densely populated areas in Sydney, yet residents are living without a piped network for drinking water and wastewater.
Some 377 properties on Scotland Island currently rely on rainwater and on-site wastewater systems meaning residents’ drinking water supply consists of household rainwater tanks, with a bookable emergency water supply available for non-drinking water uses.
While the area is listed on the NSW Government’s Priority Sewerage Program, there is currently no requirement for Sydney Water to service this area.
A recent investigation by Council, funded by the NSW Government, looked into the potential options and costs of providing networked water and wastewater services to Scotland Island. The preferred option is for the NSW Government to fund and provide a potable water supply and a pressure wastewater system that connects to Sydney Water’s network at Church Point; like that built on Dangar Island in the Hawkesbury River.
The proposed system would provide several benefits to residents and to the environment by:
Addressing long-standing needs for these services in the Scotland Island communityImproving the quality of both water and wastewater services for island residentsImproving the local environment both on and off the islandReducing public health risks.Technical reports went on public exhibition in October and 317 submissions were made. Council also spoke to over 70 people attending drop-in sessions at Church Point and on Scotland Island.
Following this feedback, Council decided at its meeting of 24 November to send the reports to Sydney Water and the NSW Government requesting the Scotland Island water and wastewater project be programmed for implementation. Stay informed at Your Say.