Approvals

Licensing of the water recycling plant and network

The Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WICA) promotes private sector competition and new investment and innovation in the metropolitan water industry.

The WICA enables the delivery of the Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme by the private sector including

• construction and operation of a distribution network for recycled water
• construction and operation of a water recycling plant
• retail supply of recycled water to customers

In April 2009, the NSW Minister for Water granted WICA Network Operator's licences to SPI Rosehill Network Pty Limited (a Jemena company) for the recycled water distribution network and to Veolia Water Australia for the water recycling plant. Construction and operation of the Project is in accordance with these licences. Find out more about both Operator Licences.

Planning approval

The Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme is classified as a major project under State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 and requires approval from the NSW Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Assessment of major projects is a streamlined and integrated development assessment process that includes referral to, and consideration by, relevant local councils and other government agencies and public exhibition.

An application for the proposed Project was submitted to the Department of Planning.

A planning focus meeting was held in August 2007 when local councils and government agencies were briefed about the scheme and identified issues for further investigation and environmental assessment.

In October 2007 the Director-General of the Department of Planning issued environmental assessment requirements for the Project. Jemena engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff to assess the potential impacts of the project in response to the Director General's requirements.

An environmental assessment was lodged with Department of Planning in December 2008 and placed on exhibition over January and February 2009. The public and government agencies were invited to make submissions. Jemena reviewed the submission and submitted a preferred project report to address the issues raised in submissions.

The Minister for Planning was satisfied that the potential environmental impacts have been adequately addressed and that the submissions received have been responded to in an appropriate manner. In June 2009, the Minister then determined that the project should proceed.

Environmental assessment

Find out more about our environmental assessment.