Refresh Vaucluse and Diamond Bay

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Diamond Bay

Below the cliffs of Vaucluse and Diamond Bay, wastewater flows directly into the ocean untreated.

It’s time for change and we’re continuing to work to ensure this iconic area of Sydney gets the clean, blue backyard it deserves. Under the Refresh Vaucluse Diamond Bay project we are building new infrastructure to divert the flows from the last three remaining ocean outfalls in Sydney to the Bondi Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF).

The project scope includes:

  • two new pump stations (one in Parsley Bay and one in Eastern Reserve)
  • 3km of new wastewater pipelines
  • upgrade existing infrastructure such us vent shafts and man holes

Whilst challenging, we know this is the right thing to do and we need you to get involved as we fix this problem once and for all.

Refreshing the wastewater system in Vaucluse and Diamond Bay offers multiple benefits—improving the harbour and coastal water quality, as well as protecting the health of the community and marine ecology.

The project is currently in detailed design with construction expected to start in 2024.


Below the cliffs of Vaucluse and Diamond Bay, wastewater flows directly into the ocean untreated.

It’s time for change and we’re continuing to work to ensure this iconic area of Sydney gets the clean, blue backyard it deserves. Under the Refresh Vaucluse Diamond Bay project we are building new infrastructure to divert the flows from the last three remaining ocean outfalls in Sydney to the Bondi Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF).

The project scope includes:

  • two new pump stations (one in Parsley Bay and one in Eastern Reserve)
  • 3km of new wastewater pipelines
  • upgrade existing infrastructure such us vent shafts and man holes

Whilst challenging, we know this is the right thing to do and we need you to get involved as we fix this problem once and for all.

Refreshing the wastewater system in Vaucluse and Diamond Bay offers multiple benefits—improving the harbour and coastal water quality, as well as protecting the health of the community and marine ecology.

The project is currently in detailed design with construction expected to start in 2024.


  • Community Barbeque at Parsley Bay February 24, 2024

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    Thanks to everyone who came to meet the project team at Parsley Bay. We enjoyed meeting over 50 community members who asked questions about the purpose, benefits and work schedule for the new pump station and pipeline in Parsley Bay. We are listening, stay in touch.

  • Site establishment at Dover Heights

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    In late December 2023 we appointed Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure (ACI) to deliver the Refresh Vaucluse and Diamond Bay project.

    Sydney Water’s property on the corner of Portland Street and Lancaster Road will be the site compound for this work. We will start site compound establishment work from late February 2024.

    What you need to know

    You will notice the following work activities:

    • Minor vegetation clearing within the compound area
    • Widening gates, installing fencing and signage
    • Delivery of equipment, temporary site sheds and facilities
    • Establishing parking, laydown, stockpile, plant and equipment storage areas

    We will ensure our contractors are parking on site. Access to properties and the bus stop on Portland Street will be maintained.

    We’ll make every effort to reduce any impact our work may have on you.

    Work hours

    Our work hours will be from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 1 pm on Saturdays. The site compound may be in use after these hours with light vehicles only entering and exiting during that time.



  • Project update - February 2024

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    In 2024 we are pleased to announce that we have selected an experienced delivery partner to construct the Parsley Bay project safely while minimising impacts on the environment and the community. We are also progressing the infrastructure at Eastern Reserve. We would like to provide you with an update on the progress of the project and invite you to the community event in Parsley Bay Reserve on Saturday February 24, 2024.

    Please follow the link below to read the latest newsletter.

    Refresh Vaucluse and Diamond Bay February 2024 Newsletter

  • Read our latest FAQ!

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    As we move towards starting construction, we have updated our frequently asked questions about the project. It contains project information, current progress and anticipated start date.

    You can find the latest FAQS here.

    To read our latest newsletter, please follow the link: October 2023 Newsletter.

    If you have any questions or want more information about the project, contact us via: email vaulcusediamondbay@sydneywater.com.au or call: 1800 641 349.

  • Project update and happy holidays!

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    With the year coming to an end, we would like to provide you with an update on the progress of the project.

    A lot has happened this year and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone in the community and our stakeholders for their feedback and suggestions.

    Please follow the link below to our two recent newsletters

    Newsletter- October 2024

    Newsletter - February 2024

    We wish you a joyous and happy holiday season and a happy new year.

  • Dover Heights: 33 & 33A Lancaster Rd works - upcoming work

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    We’re installing a new fence and gate on Portland Street and Lancaster Road to secure the site. Fence installation and landscaping works are planned to start from Monday 12 December 2022 and expected to take one week to complete, weather permitting.


    Our work will include:

    • removing all non-native vegetation and timber fence
    • excavation works using small machinery
    • installing a new Colourbond fence and gate
    • restoring impacted areas with new landscaping.

    We’ll make every effort to reduce any impact this work may have on you.


    Work hours

    Our works will be from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday. We will not work on weekends and Public Holidays.

    If you have any questions, please contact our community engagement team on 1800 641 349 or email us on vauclusediamondbay@sydneywater.com.au

  • 50% Design Decision Report now available

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    Between February and May 2022 we consulted with stakeholder and the community on the 50% proposed design of the infrastructure.

    We asked for community feedback and we received 216 submissions. These submissions and our responses to the issues raised have been compiled into a Decision Report, which is now available to download.

    In response to your feedback we have made some changes to the proposal.


    Parsley Bay
    Following the submissions, we had another look at the new pump station at Parsley Bay. We have included safeguards, such as a gate at the proposed stairs and are looking at how we can further improve the aesthetics of the pump station.

    We also changed the layout of the pump station and moved it further into the car park to minimise its impact on the surrounding vegetation and rocky terrain. This is in line with community and Council expectations.

    We are progressing the design towards construction, which we expect to start mid 2023.


    Rose Bay
    We have reviewed the construction methodology for Carlisle St, Rose Bay. To minimise impacts to the community, mainly around traffic and parking, we will be changing the methodology from open trenching to trenchless along Carlisle Street, Rose Bay.


    Eastern Reserve and Diamond Bay
    We acknowledge the proposed design requires further refinement to minimise its footprint and visual impact. Engagement with residents and councils has led to the decision to re- visiting the infrastructure layout, location and design to divert the Diamond Bay outfalls

    An independent geo-technical service provider has been appointed to carry out additional investigations and modelling of the area to complete independent verification of the geo-technical assessments of the construction site.
    We are also pursuing alternative options for servicing the Diamond Bay precinct.

    As we are revisiting the infrastructure layout and design to divert the outfalls, the construction timeline for this part of the project is yet to be determined.

  • Dover Heights: 33 & 33A Lancaster Rd works - progress update

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    The depot at 33A Lancaster Rd demolition is now complete. .

    We are now planning for the demolition of the residential property at 33 Lancaster Rd.

    Upcoming work

    We’re doing site investigations to assess the condition of the property and ground. Soil investigation works are planned to start from Wednesday 14 September 2022 and expected to take two days to complete, weather permitting.

    Following these works, we will start with the removal of the vegetation at the site. We will also install a new fence and gate on Portland St. The new fence and gate will be similar to the one currently in place – it will just be extended to secure the site.

    We’ll make every effort to reduce any impact this work may have on you, but you may notice increased activities on site.

    We thank our neighbours for your cooperation during these works.

  • Demolition of Sydney Water depot at Portand St/ Lancaster Rd, Dover Heights

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    Sydney Water owns the residence and depot currently located at 33 and 33A Lancaster Road, Dover Heights. We will demolish these and turn the site into a work compound with office space and onsite parking for staff.

    The demolition of the depot will commence on 25 July 2022 and will take about 2 weeks to complete. All work will happen inside the fenced in area of 33A Lancaster Road.

    Asbestos Removal

    Investigations by a licenced asbestos assessor have determined traces of non-friable asbestos in the building. This kind of asbestos is considered low risk as it is mixed with cement, so very hard and solid. A SafeWork NSW certified asbestos removal specialists will remove the asbestos inside the building before we start demolition of the building.

    An exclusion zone will be set up around the building, to prevent unauthorised access. The building is within the fenced in SW property, which is not accessible to the public. Signage will be in place to inform about the work including contact details. Asbestos air monitoring will be used during the works.


    Work Hours

    Our work hours will be from 7am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.

    We will not work on weekends or public holidays.


    We know our work can be disruptive, so we’ll make every effort to reduce any impact this work may have on you.

    If you would like to know more, please contact our community engagement team on vauclusediamondbay@sydneywater.com.au




  • Webinar - 27 April 2022

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    We are one step closer to changing history! Below the cliffs of Vaucluse and Diamond Bay, wastewater flows directly into the ocean untreated and this is no longer acceptable. It’s time for change and we’re working to ensure this iconic area of Sydney gets the clean, blue backyard it deserves.

    This project will have many environmental benefits – improving the harbour and coast water quality, protecting the health of marine ecology and community, and reducing odour. It will also bring the wastewater system into line with the rest of Sydney.

    We are holding an online Q&A webinar to discuss the Refresh Vaucluse Diamond Bay project and the proposed design. It is also an opportunity to answer any of your questions or concerns.

    The webinar will be held on Wednesday 27 April 2022, 5pm - 7pm




Page last updated: 01 Mar 2024, 09:19 AM