Better wastewater services for Bowral thanks to new sewage treatment plant

The Minns Labor Government is supporting regional communities with better, more sustainable wastewater services, including the newly upgraded Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant.

Bowral residents are now benefiting from a high-quality sewage treatment plant, delivering

a more reliable service and stronger protection for local waterways.

The $56 million upgrade will support the region’s growth over the next two decades by increasing treatment capacity by 50 per cent, enabling it to serve up to 7,000 additional residents.

Wingecarribee Shire Council invested $49.4 million to deliver the project and the NSW Government contributed $6.6 million through the Restart Safe and Secure Water Program.

The upgrade ensures the plant continues to meet stringent environmental standards by incorporating the latest treatment technologies including new bioreactors and inlet works, enhanced odour control, an additional emergency storm pond, and a new ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system.

Using proven, state-of-the-art technology will ensure high-quality plant discharge to the Wingecarribee River, improving water quality and safeguarding the sensitive ecosystem flowing into Lake Burragorang.

Construction on the major project began in June 2023, and the Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant has now been commissioned and can operate at its increased capacity with the ability to accept increased inflow into the future.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building stronger, more resilient water and sewer services right across New South Wales to support our regional communities and enable future housing growth.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“People right across our state should have equal access to high quality, reliable sewer services. It may not sound sexy, but this is critical infrastructure our communities need to grow and thrive.

“This upgrade is a major step forward for Bowral’s sewerage service, delivering a modern, high-performing treatment plant that will support the community now and into the future.

“This is also a win for the Wingecarribee River ecosystem which will continue to thrive thanks to the ongoing commitment to high environmental protection standards embedded in this upgrade.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

"Wingecarribee Shire Council is the water and sewer authority.  I thank the NSW Government for contributing $6.6 million towards the upgrade and thank the Minister for Water for listening to our request."

Wingecarribee Shire Council Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said:

“The Bowral Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade represents Council’s largest infrastructure investment and a major milestone in delivering essential services that the community relies on every day.

“It delivers a more reliable and resilient sewerage system, improves environmental protection for our waterways, and supports future growth.

This project forms part of a broader program of sewage treatment plant upgrades across the Southern Highlands, including Moss Vale and Mittagong.

“Council is proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver infrastructure that will serve the needs of our community now and into the future.”