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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Septic tanks to be replaced

 

Septic tanks at Patonga Creek, Bensville, Empire Bay and South Kincumber are to be replaced as part of a $133 million program

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews said the NSW Government would work with Gosford Council on the project.

"The NSW Government has made a special social program funding allocation of $30 million towards the priority sewerage project, while the rest of the costs will be covered by Sydney Water, Hunter Water and Gosford Council," Ms Andrews said.

"The Department of Land and Water Conservation will work with Gosford Council to prepare a sewer strategy for high priority areas on the Central Coast.

"These projects will be part-funded as a social program."

Ms Andrews said local families would also benefit from better and more reliable services.

"Replacing these old septic tanks will improve water quality in the Hawkesbury River and Brisbane Water," she said.

Announcing the program, Premier Mr Bob Carr said the infrastructure investment was a big win for the environment.

He said Cabinet had approved the latest stage of the NSW Government's $3 billion waterways package.

"It continues the State Government's strong commitment to improving our environment and waterways," Mr Carr said.

The Minister for Energy, Mr Kim Yeadon, said the decision to make these areas priorities for the sewerage program was based on advice from the Environment Protection Authority.

"The decision is based on assessments which show these areas are a priority for this infrastructure," Mr Yeadon said.

"In 1997, the Premier announced the $3 billion Waterways Package to address the problem of urban wastewater pollution.

"One of the key initiatives was connecting sewerage to various urban communities that have no reticulated sewerage service."

Press release, December 18