Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: As Sydney experiences unprecedented growth, Wisconsin water technology companies are in a position to help the growing city meet its water needs.

Sydney is experiencing unprecedented urban growth, with the population expected to increase from 5 to 6 million residents within the next 10 years. In response, Sydney Water has released a Growth Servicing Plan 2017-2022 to ensure that critical water-related infrastructure is in place to support future growth in population and housing in rapidly developing areas of Sydney. Sydney Water has also stated that they intend to start playing a more active role in the development of water recycling schemes, provision of renewable energy sources, and the development of integrated water service management strategies to improve waterway health.

Together, Sydney Water and the New South Wales Department of Planning have committed $1.7 billion ($2.2 billion Australian) in funding for the period 2018-2020 to provide new and upgraded wastewater infrastructure in northwest Sydney, in response to significant increases in population and the construction of new dwellings forecast for this priority growth area.

For this project, Sydney Water will utilize a delivery partner model—a collaborative approach to planning, design and specialized services that encourages improved supply chain integration, uniform procurement of materials and construction contracts, flexibility in delivery and cost efficiency.

So far, $639 million ($817 million Australian) of the total funding has been allocated. Major projects that received funding included:

  • $352 million ($450 million Australian) investment into the “Lower South Creek Treatment Program,” involving:
    • Amplified wastewater treatment facilities at Riverstone Wastewater Treatment Plant
    • Upgraded water recycling plants at St Mary’s and Quakers Hill
  • $78 million ($100 million Australian) in funding for the “Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer Project” to rehabilitate and desilt infrastructure, thereby reducing overflows
  • $78 million ($100 million Australian) in funding for the “Prospect Water Filtration Plant Project” to renew the existing water filtration plant.

Major upcoming projects include upgrades to the St Mary's Water Recycling Plant (due to begin in early 2018) and the Quakers Hill Water Recycling Plant (expected to begin in mid-2018).

Wisconsin companies with expertise in water/wastewater technologies and services are encouraged to: