Sewering Coastal Villages

MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER (3 APRIL 2025)

Major construction is underway on the second stage of a $38 million project that will extend Bellingen Shire’s sewerage network into more communities, giving them access to modern, environmentally sustainable sewerage services for the first time. 

The landmark Sewering Coastal Villages Project is funded thanks to more than $11 million from the NSW Government’s Safe and Secure Program and over $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council against its long-term financial plan to deliver an upgraded sewage treatment plant in Urunga and provide Mylestom and Raleigh with access to the central network. 

Ledonne Construction was engaged by Council through a competitive tender process for major river, rail and road crossings. This work has now commenced as part of Phase 2, including the underbore of the Bellinger River, in preparation for 226 connections in Mylestom and Raleigh to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant. 

Bringing these villages onto the wastewater network will reduce the need for on-site septic tanks that pose a risk to the iconic Kalang and Bellinger Rivers that have experienced contamination incidents in the past. 

Work on upgrading the wastewater plant began last year to double its capacity to cater for up to 10,000 people and increase the facility’s lifespan by 30 years, equipping it to handle future population growth. 

Work on the plant is expected to be completed later this year while the rollout of the sewage network is on track to be finished by early 2026.  

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said: 

“This is one of the biggest investments in sewage services for Bellingen Shire and connecting Mylestom and Raleigh to the sewage network is great news for residents. 

“Many locals in these coastal villages are reliant on smelly and expensive private septic tanks for their wastewater disposal which is why getting them hooked up to the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will be a game changer. 

“Not only is this a big win for the environment by safeguarding pristine waterways, but it’s also a big win for residents and businesses who will enjoy improved livability by having access to modern sewerage disposal for the first time, eliminating the burden of having to pay for the ongoing maintenance of their own wastewater systems.” 

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Cr. Steve Allan said: 

“The installation of these pipelines through major town infrastructure marks our most significant milestone yet for the project, as we methodically move towards the connection of our coastal villages to the sewerage network.  

“Contamination in the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers can potentially impact public health, wetlands and local businesses which is why we’re transforming the wastewater system here to reduce that risk and keep these waterways beautiful. 

“We’re focused on working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to get these significant upgrades done and we’ll continue to keep the community informed with updates as construction continues to progress.”

Ledonne Constructions have been engaged by Bellingen Shire Council to undertake the underboring of the Bellinger River at Mylestom. This work is part of Phase 2 of the Sewering Coastal Villages Project, with the construction of sewerage infrastructure to connect Mylestom and Raleigh to the upgraded Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant.

Ledonne Constructions is scheduled to establish on-site in Late February 2025.

This work is related to the underboring only, with the Mylestom Sewer Pump Station to be relocated further south.

A work site adjacent to the Bellinger-Valley North Beach Surf Club will be fenced off to enable drilling works for approximately six weeks, as outlined in the map below.

Councils’ ecologists will ensure environmental considerations are prioritised including management of Rainbow Bee-Eaters.

Council and Ledonne remain committed to ensuring a smooth and environmentally responsible construction process. Regular updates will be provided as work progresses.

For more information, call Council on 02 6655 7300 or email council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au

At its February Ordinary Meeting, Council has taken the decision to progress relocating the Mylestom Sewer Pump Station south of the original proposed location to adjacent Crown Land.

In consideration of this change, Council has progressed applications to Crown Land with a view to securing the necessary approvals to facilitate construction at this proposed site. Council will also commence tender negotiations for the Rising Mains and Pump Stations in response to the revised proposed location.

Regular updates will continue to be provided on Council’s website as the project progresses.

Community Update: Sewering Coastal Villages Project – Mylestom Pump Station Feedback

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent Community Information Session at Mylestom Hall on Saturday 30 November 2024 and has since provided subsequent feedback to Council. We value your input and appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns regarding the proposed location of the pump station in Mylestom. 

Below, we have outlined responses to the key topics raised: 

Location and Design of Mylestom Pump Station 

Council have carefully considered the location of the pump station in Mylestom during the design and development of the project. Council is committed that the proposed location is the optimal location to best service the community. The location offers key advantages: 

Based on community feedback, Council have made changes to the pump station to minimise the layout and extent of works. Council have developed modelling of the pump station to better inform the community of the visual impact of the works. Council is committed to ongoing discussions with the Surf Club to minimise the extent of works and consider further works such as plant screening and fencing.  

In consideration of this communication, publicly available information around the Sewering Coastal Villages project included advice as to the proposed location for the pump station in Mylestom – which has been consistent since 2019. 

The pump station will incorporate modern odour control technology, and its design will aim to integrate with the surrounding environment.

ABOVE: 3D concept design – subject to change. 

ABOVE: Current area at the Surf Club.

ABOVE: 3D concept design – subject to change.

Rainbow Bee-Eater Nesting Grounds

The Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) are a valued part of our natural environment and Council has considered their presence during the project planning. The works are approved under Part 5, Division 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Rainbow Bee-eater are listed as a ‘Marine’ species under the EPBC Act and subsequently an assessment in accordance with Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, is not required.

However, taking on board feedback from community members, Council has included the Rainbow Bee eater within the assessment and included the following additional mitigation measures:

• Scheduling works to commence after the bird’s breeding season (approximately February)
• Requiring an ecologist to specifically confirm the work area is clear of nests prior to commencing works
• Engaging additional ecological expertise to ensure habitat protection and appropriate mitigation strategies
• No nesting birds will be relocated.

Environmental considerations remain a priority, and we will continue working with specialists to safeguard biodiversity.

For further information or updates, please keep an eye on the project website or contact Council (council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au or 02 6655 7300).

Bellingen Shire Council hosted a site visit to the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant (UTSP) on Monday 29 July with key stakeholders, showcasing the significant progress made in the first phase of the landmark Sewering Coastal Villages project. 

Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp MP and NSW Government representative Carla Antunes (Manager of Safe and Secure Water Program) were invited to a site visit, led by Mayor Cr. Steve Allan and Council staff. The tour provided attendees with an in-depth look at the advancements achieved since construction commenced earlier this year. 

This crucial upgrade aims to modernise wastewater services across Bellingen Shire's coastal communities, ensuring robust infrastructure for the future and enhancing environmental protection. 

The Sewering Coastal Villages project is funded by over $11 million from the NSW Government and more than $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council. 

"Today's site visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the early progress made in this landmark project,” said Mayor Cr. Steve Allan.

“It was great to show Michael and Carla firsthand the work being progressed, which will be key to providing sustainable and efficient wastewater services for our coastal communities. 

“I wanted to thank the NSW Government for their support with funding, and both Michael and Carla for making the time to visit the site and see the importance of this significant project for our Shire.” 

The upgrade of the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant to double its capacity to cater for up to 10 thousand people is being carried out by experienced company Leed Engineering. 

The tender process for Phase 2, which involves installing low pressure sewerage systems in Raleigh and Mylestom, is expected to get underway later this year.

To read the full story and view the photo gallery, click here.

Construction is underway to upgrade the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant as part of an overhaul of wastewater services across Bellingen Shire’s coastal communities to ensure they’re equipped with infrastructure for the future that will deliver the best possible environmental protection.

The landmark Sewering Coastal Villages project is funded thanks to more than $11 million from the NSW Government and over $27 million from Bellingen Shire Council against its long term financial plan.

It will provide modern sewerage services to areas such as Mylestom and Raleigh for the first time, connecting over 200 properties to the expanded sewage treatment plant and removing the need for on-site septic tanks which pose a risk to the iconic Kalang and Bellinger Rivers.

These rivers have previously been closed due to contamination which impacts public health, wetlands and local businesses.

The upgrade of the Urunga Sewage Treatment Plant to double its capacity to cater for up to 10 thousand people is being carried out by experienced company Leed Engineering, which won a competitive tender process that was.

Phase 1 of the project (the plant upgrade) will involve increased heavy vehicle movement on roads in the area and some potential noise impacts for residents who have been notified.

The tender process for Phase 2, which involves installing low pressure sewerage systems in Raleigh and Mylestom, is expected to get underway later this year.

Community members can also now access a report that outlines a historical timeline of the key decisions and milestones throughout the project.

Council has created an interactive map to show what properties are impacted.

INTERACTIVE MAP

Yes, all properties identified in the scheme areas would be required to connect to sewerage within 18 months of sewerage being available. Council has power under Section 124 of the Local Government Act to order properties to connect to sewer within 75 metres of reticulated sewerage.

Council will cover the cost of the connecting pipe work if the new grinder pump is to be located adjacent to the decommissioned septic system.

Note: this infers that the property owner will be required to pay for pipe work in situations where they choose to have the new grinder pump not located adjacent to the decommissioned septic system.  This is not a common scenario as most property owners are happy to have the new grinder pump located close to the decommissioned septic system.

Yes, once sewerage services are connected, there will be an annual charge for landowners in accordance with Council's Fees & Charges.

In 2023/24, the sewerage charge was $1132 per annum for residential properties with a standard connection. Landowners will also need to pay the cost of electricity to run the domestic sewer pump, this is estimated to be between $52 and $65 per year. 

Once the sewer is connected, landowners will not have the cost of pumping out the septic tank or paying septic inspection fees. Pump out costs depend on the number of people using the septic system and cost between $300 - $400 per time. The septic inspection fee is $158 per time.

Council will maintain all sewer infrastructure from the street to the storage tank and pump. The maintenance cost of pressure sewer systems is included in the annual sewer connected charge so there is no cost to the property owner for maintenance. Landowners will be provided with an operations manuals detailing items that should not be put down the sewer. If the cause of the problem is the property has put material down the sewer which they shouldn't such as wipes, nappies or oil, Council may charge the property the cost of the repairs.

You should hold off or complete minimal repairs to keep the system operating until February 2025. However, if the system has completely failed you must replace it at your cost.

Council will decommission existing septic systems and leave them in place along with any absorption trenches. If landowner wish to fully remove the existing system, this may be completed after the project at their own cost.

Council will offer an amnesty on unapproved structures/buildings to land owners in the Scheme’s footprint. Council will work closely with owners to provide guidance and advice on what applications need to be made to Council in order to have these structures/buildings assessed. Each application will be assessed on its merits in accordance with the relevant planning legislation.

No, Council is connecting the sewer to the coastal villages because of the public health and environmental benefits.

Overall there is limited potential for growth in the sewer system areas. The system is only being sized to accommodate a limited number of extra connections consisting of identified infill, vacant blocks and a minimal number of town house developments.

Once the sewer system is in place the capacity of the system will not be able to be increased in the future to respond to new development. Rural land that has already been zoned for development will be accommodated by the sewer system but there will be no capacity within the system for any new land releases.

The land on the corner of Keevers Drive and Perry’s Road in Repton is currently zoned for residential purposes. While the land is yet to be developed, there is the potential for over 200 new residential lots to be accommodated on the land (subject to a detailed subdivision design). This kind of subdivision is referred to ‘greenfield development’ The sewer system will be able to service this land if it is ever developed.

In January 2020 Council approved the Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy. This 20 year strategy outlines Council’s approach to future growth across the Shire. The Strategy commits to new growth within existing towns through well designed infill rather than releasing further rural land for subdivisions. It includes infill growth goals for different locations across the Shire over 20 years. Overall Council anticipates that half of the Shires growth over the next 20 years will come from well- designed infill with the remainder coming from subdivisions on land that has already been zoned for development. 

The infill growth goal for Mylestom, Repton and Raleigh is 56 dwellings over 20 years. 

Significant growth is expected in Urunga over the same period. There is land in Urunga currently zoned for development that has the capacity for up to 1,000 extra dwellings. 

Community members can access a report on the major milestones and Council decisions related to the Sewering Coastal Villages project.

Click here(PDF, 182KB) to access the report.