Waterway Health Improvement Projects

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The health of our waterways and wetlands is essential to the liveability of Sydney. Sydney Water is responsible for the management, maintenance, and cleaning of 447 kilometres of stormwater channels and pipes across 73 catchments in Greater Sydney. We own and operate over 70 SQIDs and we are therefore responsible for all maintenance and cleaning of these devices. In the past 30 years, we've installed 70 SQIDs. These devices have helped remove over 35,000 cubic metres of litter and organic waste as well as 39,000 tonnes of sediment from stormwater before it reaches Sydney's waterways.

Stormwater assets owned by Sydney

The health of our waterways and wetlands is essential to the liveability of Sydney. Sydney Water is responsible for the management, maintenance, and cleaning of 447 kilometres of stormwater channels and pipes across 73 catchments in Greater Sydney. We own and operate over 70 SQIDs and we are therefore responsible for all maintenance and cleaning of these devices. In the past 30 years, we've installed 70 SQIDs. These devices have helped remove over 35,000 cubic metres of litter and organic waste as well as 39,000 tonnes of sediment from stormwater before it reaches Sydney's waterways.

Stormwater assets owned by Sydney Water are generally the larger assets and pipes with councils street drainage connecting into these. Local Councils are responsible for street drainage and smaller pipes in the catchments we manage. We work closely with local councils and other agencies to improve the health of our waterways, provide opportunities for stormwater reuse, and protect people and properties from flooding.

Listed below are projects that are currently being planned to improve our waterways, scroll down to look for projects happening near you.

  • Our Work at Johnstons Creek - at Federal Park and Bicentennial Park, Rozelle

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    We have finalised our preliminary concept design and plan to install a stormwater quality improvement device (SQID) near Johnstons Creek and Rozelle Bay. See Map for details.

    This device is designed to catch debris so it can be removed from the waterway. In the past 30 years, we've installed 70 SQIDs. These devices have helped remove over 35,000 cubic metres of litter and organic waste as well as 39,000 tonnes of sediment from stormwater before it reaches Sydney’s waterways.

    We are currently in the planning phase for this work and this project. We expect this project to be constructed sometime between 2025-2030. We will update the community before work begins.

    What to expect:

    • The SQID will be located on the water and attached to the retaining walls at BiCentennial Park and Federal Park
    • The SQID collects solid debris from Johnstons Creek .
    • When the SQID is full, debris will be visible. Debris from the SQID will be collected by boat on a regular scheduled basis.

    If you would like to provide feedback or require any further information regarding this work, please contact waterwayhealth@sydneywater.com.au or call 1800 006 113 (option 6).




    Site of proposed area where SQID will be installed



    We are planning on placing a gross pollutant trap at Johnstons Creek - the picture above is an example of a similar device





  • Our work at Oswalds Scholes Reserve - Preddys Street, Bexley North

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    We’re working to improve the health of local waterways.

    We have been working with Bayside Council to identify options for improving the waterway health at Bardwell Creek.

    We have finalised our concept design and plan to install a stormwater quality improvement devices (SQIDs) in Oswald Scholes Reserve, between Preddys Road and Coveney Street, Bexley North. See Map for details.

    This device is designed to catch solids so they can be removed from the water. In the past 20 years, we've installed 70 SQIDs. These devices have helped remove over 35,000 cubic metres of litter and organic waste as well as 39,000 tonnes of sediment from stormwater before it reaches Sydney’s waterways.

    We are currently in the planning phase for this work with project expected to commence between 2026 to 2030. However we wanted to highlight this project to you and provide you with some information.

    What to expect:

    • Sydney Water contractors may be on site to carry out further geotechnical investigation work.
    • The SQID will be located below ground and will have a cover, once installed it will only be visible when standing near the device.
    • There will be increased noise and traffic during the construction – this will be temporary.
    • An access driveway will be built on the reserve to allow trucks to enter the reserve to empty the device from litter and for maintenance work.
    • Litter collected by the SQID will be emptied by trucks on a monthly basis.
    • The Bus stop on Preddys Road may need to be relocated by a few metres, this is to be confirmed.

    If you would like to provide feedback or require any further information regarding this work, please contact waterwayhealth@sydneywater.com.au or call 1800 006 113 (option 6).



    Proposed work at Oswald Scholes Reserve, Bexley North



  • Our work at Surry Street Park, Guildford

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    Sydney Water is proposing the development of a constructed wetland within the Surrey Street Chain of Parks in Guildford. This would involve removing the Gross Pollutant Trap (GPT) which currently exists at the site and relocating it upstream of the wetland to remove pollutants from the water before they enter the wetland. Constructed wetlands play an important role in removing pollutants from stormwater before it enters the network. They also help to promote ecology in otherwise urban areas.

    If you would like to provide feedback or require any further information regarding this work, please contact waterwayhealth@sydneywater or call 1800 006 113 (option 6).



    Current concept design for wetlands at Surrey Street Park, Guildford




  • Other projects at a glance

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    We have projects in many locations across Sydney, click on the links below to find out more:

Page last updated: 20 Sep 2024, 09:06 AM