$70 Million Remains But Now Sewage Tank, Not Tunnel
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Sydney Water will spend $70 million building a storage tank solution instead of a storage tunnel to reduce stormwater overflows into Manly and Curl Curl lagoons, said Manly MP Mike Baird who is pushing for additional compensation for the loss of public space.
“This has been a long running issue and it’s disappointing the project has struck further delays,” said Mr Baird.
“The local community has been promised a $70 million investment from Sydney Water to clean up Manly and Curl Curl lagoons – importantly this hasn’t changed.
“What has changed is how they plan to reduce the stormwater overflows – they are now looking at a storage tank solution instead of a tunnel due to geotechnical problems with the proposed tunnel site.
“We have asked for assurances that a storage tank solution will provide the same environmental benefits to the lagoons and we have been given that assurance.
“I am also pushing for additional funds to compensate the community for the loss of public space, which Sydney Water is considering.
“The critical thing now is for the community to be fully consulted on the options for the storage tank solution so it has the least possible impact.”
Mr Baird said Sydney Water is currently considering three locations for the tank:
Baseball fields in John Fisher Park (corner Abbott Road and Harbord Road)
Bushland to the rear of Manly Selective High School (corner Harbord Road and Headland Road)
Sporting fields in Harbord Park (Wyadra Road)
“None of the locations are ideal, however the site behind the high school must be ruled out as too much work has been done on regenerating the bushland there.
“If it is the baseball fields, then Sydney Water needs to build a state-of-the-art baseball field together with additional environmental measures for Curl Curl lagoon so the community does not lose out.”
“Ultimately it is now up to the community to decide,” Mr Baird said.
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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Comments (4)
Well if it's the baseball fields I hope that a "state-of-the-art baseball field " doesn't mean MORE development. We want LESS, not MORE. They're already itching to put in more hard surfaces and stands for spectators, storage sheds etc. We need more water SOAKING INTO THE GROUND, not RUNNING OFF IT.
I have no faith that the government will do anything that it promises. The supposed geotech problems are likely a smokescreen to facilitate a cheaper "solution" so that the contractor has a bigger profit margin - not for a cheaper bill for the government. I want to see that geotech report - and the terms of reference for its commissioning!
Actually, what is the Northside Storage Tunnel from Lane Cove to North Head used for? Tiddlywinks? Someone died in its construction - was his death in vain?
Storm Water Over Flow Tanks
Are these tanks going to be above ground and if so, how big are they?
answer to Mark's question
Hi Mark Sydney Water said the tank could be below ground, partly above ground or totally above ground - it will depend on the location. It will be able to hold 18million litres - big. However Sydney water said if it is above ground, they will landscape over it so it is a hill rather than a tank! Make sure you take part in the consultation to have your say. Lisa from Mike's office
Sewage Tank
About time the State Gov't looked at tertiary treatment instead of taking the cheap option.
