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State Significant Development

Response to Submissions

Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme

Kempsey Shire

Current Status: Response to Submissions

Interact with the stages for their names

  1. SEARs
  2. Prepare EIS
  3. Exhibition
  4. Collate Submissions
  5. Response to Submissions
  6. Assessment
  7. Recommendation
  8. Determination

Kempsey Shire Council proposes to install and operate a sewerage collection system to properties in Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach. The project would include a wastewater treatment plant and disposal of treated effluent.

EPBC

This project is a controlled action under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and will be assessed under the bilateral agreement between the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, or an accredited assessment process. For more information, refer to the Australian Government's website.

Attachments & Resources

Notice of Exhibition (1)

Request for SEARs (2)

SEARs (2)

EIS (30)

Response to Submissions (2)

Agency Advice (14)

Submissions

Filters
Showing 1 - 20 of 44 submissions
Name Withheld
Object
BARRAGANYATTI , New South Wales
Message
The coastal destruction is far worse than the benefits of the sewage treatment. I have worked in this industry and I'm well aware of the cost associated with construction, operation and ongoing maintenance. If local septic systems are maintained and serviced, I don't see what the issue is. If it requires a yearly inspection, so be it. this will also address the issues with rental systems that are left to fail.
Heaven forbid this does go through, I can't see the point of leaking the water along the beach which is known nesting grounds for local wildlife. If the water is as clean as governments say it is after the UV cleaning, I don't see the issue with this being used for the mass issue of Blueberry farms that are known to drain the local waterways.
Raymond Moorcroft
Support
STUARTS POINT , New South Wales
Message
Extended Power Outages
Kempsey Shire Council "Pressure Sewer Homeowner's Manual 2024 on Page 11 states: "...In the event of extended power outage, council may need to make a service call and clear sewage from the tank.
My Concern :
Recently we had a three day power outage. With this number of days and with predicted extended climate change events of more than three days to a week or more that will occur, I believe a more detail written procedures need to be in the Kempsey Shire Councils (KSC) Homeowner's Manual. Or a link on the page to take you to the more substantial detail procedures to be undertaken by KSC so there is no "May" confusion by me or other residents affected on what will occur during extended outages.
Name Withheld
Support
FISHERMANS REACH , New South Wales
Message
A very important project to protect our estuaries and our communities from flooding causing raw sewerage from flooding our properties and streets and draining into the estuaries being the North Arm of the Maclaey River which is the receptical of one the largest wet lands in the Southern Hemisphere, the Clybucca Flood plains and its entire Eco system,the sooner the Stuart Point Scheme can be completed the environmental,community and business benefits will be substantial..cheers Col
A Soanes
Support
WHITEBRIDGE , New South Wales
Message
I am writing to express my strong support for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. This project represents an important and long-overdue investment in the wellbeing of Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach.

A modern sewerage system will significantly improve community health, reduce the risks associated with failing septic systems. It will also deliver major environmental benefits, helping protect local waterways.

It is encouraging to see a smaller community receiving the attention and essential infrastructure it deserves. This Scheme will make a meaningful difference for current residents and future generations.

I encourage consideration of non-digital submission options, as not all residents have reliable internet access. Written or postal submissions would make the process more inclusive and accessible.
Name Withheld
Support
SAWTELL , New South Wales
Message
Stuarts point is a small coastal village with high water table, which experienced significant public health and environmental risks under current on-site septic arrangements. During La Niña the prolonged saturation meant stormwater could no longer infiltrate leading to contaminated floodwaters with failing septic systems. This resulted in a localised HAZMAT situation that affected part of the village homes and surrounding environment. The proposed sewerage scheme is essential to prevent these risks. It will provide a modern, reliable wastewater solution that protects community health, improves environmental ooutcomes, safegauards sensitive waterways and fishing industry, and strengthen the village’s resilience to future wet-weather events.
This project is the most responsible and sustainable long-term option for the community.
Name Withheld
Object
GRASSY HEAD , New South Wales
Message
Please refer to the attached document for specific details -

This submission is submitted to formally OBJECT to the proposed Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme (SSD-56884966). While the submitter acknowledges the longstanding sewerage issues affecting Stuarts Point, Grassy Head, and Fisherman’s Reach, this objection is based on the following critical concerns:
• The proposal is premature given that urgent stormwater drainage infrastructure has not been addressed.
• Significant environmental impacts to sensitive coastal ecosystems.
• Substantial financial burden on residents without demonstrated necessity for the current scale.
• Infrastructure prioritisation that favours expansion over essential flood mitigation.
Attachments
Name Withheld
Support
Greenhills Beach , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:
• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region
The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.
I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Name Withheld
Support
Yarrahapinni , New South Wales
Message
This is a great improvement for the health of the community and the associated waterways
This is a well overdue improvement that will ensure the minimum health standards are met and fix potential contamination of the aquafer and water ways for antiquated individual septic systems currently in use
Kate Baartz
Support
NEW LAMBTON , New South Wales
Message
Rural and remote communities deserve to have the same investment in critical infrastructure as their metro counterparts. This project will provide significant benefits to the local community by providing modern disposal and treatment facilities, addressing ongoing water quality risks to the Macleay Arm and setting up the townships to support growth in the long term.
Eric Nielsen
Support
PORT MACQUARIE , New South Wales
Message
I think the scheme is an exceptionally good idea for the people of Stuarts Point as the water quality in the Macleay Reach is contaminated from the old onsite sewage management systems (OSMS - septic systems) and is supported by key regulators the EPA and DCCEEW.
Victor Moore
Support
STUARTS POINT , New South Wales
Message
My view is the village of Stuart’s Point has been promised this infrastructure for many years with little to no progress, I believe the village will prosper and many new opportunities will be created for the entire area. Please do the right thing and bring Stuart’s Point and surrounding suburbs a well designed and installed sewer system without any further delay.
Eileen Colquhoun
Support
STUARTS POINT , New South Wales
Message
Stuart’s Point sewerage scheme is long overdue. The scheme has been in the works for more than 30 years. I support the continued timely progress of this scheme.
jena cahill
Support
URUNGA , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

· replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems

· protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments

· improve public health outcomes

· support long-term environmental resilience

· enable sustainable growth in the region

The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Matthew Gee
Support
Hat Head , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Name Withheld
Support
SOUTH KEMPSEY , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region

As an individual who witnessed the public and environmental health devastation caused by an already high-water table, high rainfall and the absence of a formal sewer network (beyond individual OSSMS).. this project needs to proceed. It is the most environmentally and socially appropriate option. I cannot understand how anyone would be opposed to this.

The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Leigh Lamey
Support
SOUTH WEST ROCKS , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region

The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Tahlia Webster
Support
WEST KEMPSEY , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region

The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Name Withheld
Support
DONDINGALONG , New South Wales
Message
I support the EIS for the Stuarts point sewage scheme. it is important to protect the MacLeay water way from subsurface sewerage and sewerage overflows in time of flood or rain.
The new system will allow future development in the area and aid with addressing the housing shortage.
I fully support this important work to infrastructure in Stuarts Point.
Name Withheld
Support
PORT MACQUARIE , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:
· replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
· protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
· improve public health outcomes
· support long-term environmental resilience
· enable sustainable growth in the region
The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.
I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.
Nanette Dowd
Support
EAST KEMPSEY , New South Wales
Message
I am writing in support of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Stuarts Point Sewerage Scheme. The scheme is critical infrastructure for the Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach communities that will:

• replace ageing and unreliable on-site septic systems
• protect the health of local waterways, including the Macleay Arm and surrounding estuarine environments
• improve public health outcomes
• support long-term environmental resilience
• enable sustainable growth in the region

The planning and engagement undertaken to date has been extensive. The project team has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparent communication, responsiveness to community concerns, and ongoing collaboration with regulatory agencies, landholders and local groups.

I support the project progressing through the assessment and approval process so that this essential upgrade can be delivered for the benefit of current and future residents in our local area.

Pagination

Project Details

Application Number
SSD-56884966
EPBC ID Number
2025/10251
Assessment Type
State Significant Development
Development Type
Sewerage collection, treatment and disposal
Local Government Areas
Kempsey Shire

Contact Planner

Name
Drew Anderson