Planning
The NSW Government’s Metropolitan Water Plan outlines a range of demand and supply measures aimed at securing Sydney’s water supplies. The plan identifies a series of short term drought response measures alongside long term water management measures to ensure supply is managed to meet demand. The plan promotes investment in alternative water management technologies, including recycling and promotes a collaborative approach between the government and the private sector to realise the benefits of emerging water management technologies.
The plan outlines the NSW Government’s target to provide 70 billion litres of recycled water per annum by 2015 in the Sydney region.
Licensing of the Water Recycling Plant and Network
The Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WICA) promotes private sector competition and new investment and innovation in the metropolitan water industry. The WICA enables the delivery of the Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme by the private sector to:
- construct and operate a distribution network for recycled water
- construct and operate a water recycling plant
- retail recycled water to customers
In April 2009, the NSW Minister for Water granted network operator's licences for both the recycled water distribution network and the water recycling plant in accordance with the NSW Water Industry Competition Act 2006. Construction and operation of the scheme will be in accordance with these licences.
Planning and Approval Process
The Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme is classified as a major project under State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 and requires approval from the NSW Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Assessment of major projects is a streamlined and integrated development assessment process that includes referral to, and consideration by, relevant local concils and other government agencies and public exhibition.
An application for the proposed recycled water scheme was submitted to the Department of Planning.
A planning focus meeting was held in August 2007 when local councils and government agencies were briefed about the scheme and identified issues for further investigation and environmental assessment.
In October 2007 the Director-General of the Department of Planning issued environmental assessment requirements for the scheme. Jemena engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff to assess the potential impacts of the project in response to the Director General’s requirements.
An environmental assessment was lodged with Department of Planning in December 2008 and placed on exhibition over January and February 2009. The public and government agencies were invited to make submissions. Jemena reviewed the submission and submitted a preferred project report to address the issues raised in submissions.
The Minister for Planning was satisfied that the potential environmental impacts have been adequately addressed and that the submissions received have been responded to in an appropriate manner. The Minister then determined the project should proceed.