“It’s a difficult time of year to be having these kinds of impacts on the local community, but we just have to be really clear – it is necessary. We’ve identified and contained the leak, but if we don’t act now, things could get worse.”
The “worst-case scenario” could see leaked sewage flowing into the harbour.Credit: Sam Mooy
A temporary solution to divert the sewage flow away from the leaking pipe will be in place until December 19, before a full diversion is in place by early January. Jackson pointed to the ageing infrastructure presenting more challenges – the area where the leak happened, and its associated pumping station is more than 100 years old.
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Newly appointed Sydney Water chief executive Darren Cleary said there would be no environmental impacts from the leak.
“The leak is currently contained and being managed, and there are no environmental impact from the leaks,” he said. “We do need to do these emergency works to ensure that the system can continue to operate reliably.”
The sewerage leak comes as the government is expected to unveil its plans in coming weeks for the future of Wentworth Park, and whether the long-standing greyhound racing track at the site will be bulldozed for sporting fields, picnic areas and parkland.
The government has yet to confirm whether it will extend the current lease, held by the NSW Greyhound Breeders Owners and Trainers Association which is due to expire in 2027.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore is spearheading the plan to bulldoze the circuit and 3000-seat grandstand.
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