Media Release

24 Jul 2009

Community invited to contribute to new stormwater plan

Local residents have been invited to contribute to a new plan for managing stormwater drainage land in the Rouse Hill area.

Sydney Water is holding its first community information session on the Rouse Hill Drainage Land Plan of Management at the Town Square, Rouse Hill Town Centre on Thursday 30 July 2009 between 6 pm and 9 pm.

Sydney Water Managing Director Kerry Schott encouraged residents living in The Hills Shire Council and Blacktown Council areas to drop by to find out more about stormwater drainage land and share their views on the management of Sydney Water land in their area.

“Sydney Water manages stormwater drainage land in the Rouse Hill area,” Dr Schott said.

“The nature of stormwater means the amount of water in creeks running through this land can increase very quickly during rain, making the areas prone to flooding.

“As well as being flood-prone, some of this land also contains endangered native bushland that needs to be protected and restored.

“Much of the stormwater drainage land is near homes and is used by residents and their children as a thoroughfare, for play or for recreational activities including walking, cycling and fishing.

“Sydney Water aims to balance the need to protect public safety and property by minimising the risk of flooding with the need to protect and restore the natural environment and meet the community’s requirements.

“Community feedback will be incorporated into a long-term Plan of Management for local stormwater drainage land. The plan is expected to be finalised early next year.”

Dr Schott said Sydney Water would work closely with local councils who manage the stormwater systems feeding into local creeks while developing the Plan of Management.

“Councils and community groups are likely to play an important ongoing role in improving stormwater drainage land through involvement in bush regeneration,” Dr Schott said.

“Bush regeneration has been a major part of Sydney Water’s work to improve flood-prone land in the Rouse Hill area to date.

“Replanting native vegetation also helps filter pollutants from runoff, improving the quality of stormwater flowing into the Hawkesbury-Nepean River and reduces the impact of noxious weeds and introduced species on aquatic ecosystems.

“Over the past three years, Sydney Water has planted over six million plants in the local area, and work began last year on a $1.7 million three-year bush regeneration contract on Sydney Water land near Smalls Creek, Caddies Creek and Second Ponds Creek.”

Find out more about the management of stormwater drainage land in the Rouse Hill area.

Or register for updates on the Plan of Management, email your name and contact details to waterprojects@sydneywater.com.au or call 8849 5418.

 

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