$90 MILLION TO FLOOD-PROOF SYDNEY’S NEWEST TOWN CENTRE

4541356Minister for Lands and Water Niall Blair was on hand today as tunnelling began on a $90 million 2.4-kilometre drain – the biggest to be built in Sydney in more than 30 years.

 

During severe wet weather Green Square becomes severely flooded, often more than two metres deep – but this drain will be big enough to empty 300 bathtubs a second in to the Alexandra Canal.

 

“The population of Sydney will grow by an additional 1.6 million people by 2031 – that is why the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is determined to make sure we have the right infrastructure in place to keep the city moving,” Mr Blair said.

 

“This is a crucial project, which is why the NSW Government, Sydney Water and City of Sydney are jointly contributing $90 million to ensure its success.”

 

This investment by the NSW Government is in addition to a further $166 million allocated in this year’s state budget for growth works by Sydney Water to service urban development.

 

The NSW Government recognises the importance of infrastructure delivery in the provision of affordable housing and that it is critical to have the utilities to support the city’s growth.

 

The stormwater drain will significantly reduce flooding in and around the Green Square area, at Joynton Avenue and on Botany Road, Zetland.

 

Tunnelling will begin in June and is due to finish by the end of 2017.

 

The tunnelling machines will work well below the surface avoiding the need to dig-up roads.

 

The route was chosen to minimise the impact on residents, businesses and the environment.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.