NSW government unveils $3 billion plan to stop mystery balls on Sydney beaches
The NSW government has announced a $3 billion plan to prevent further infestations of the mysterious debris balls that wreaked havoc on Sydney beaches last year.
Between October 2024 and January 2025, tar-like balls of debris floated off Sydney beaches, raising alarms about water safety and forcing the closure of many beaches.
In November last year, tests by the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that the balls likely originated from the Malabar Wastewater Treatment plant.
In response to the findings, the Minns government announced a $3 billion Investment Program for Malabar wastewater treatment over the next 10 years.
The facility currently serves approximately two million people and is one of the largest wastewater systems in the country.
The program will work by reducing the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated at the Malabar plant, as well as improving water source recovery facilities.
“Sydney is a fast-growing city and no one wants to see balls of debris hitting our beautiful beaches again – but the reality is that our wastewater system needs an upgrade to keep up with the population,” Water Minister Rose Jackson said.
“This is a major plan to deliver critical wastewater system improvements in a logical and phased manner, ensuring major investments are funded over time and Sydney Water users are not faced with sudden bill shocks,” he said.
The program will phase in upgrades to key facilities in the Malabar system, including the Glenfield, Liverpool and Fairfield Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs).
The first phases will develop the Glenfield and Liverpool WRRFs by renewing and expanding existing processing.
As one of the first major developments, a secondary treatment process will be installed at Liverpool WRRF.
“We understand the seriousness of recent debris ball incidents and the need to ensure our network is equipped for Sydney’s growing population,” Sydney Water CEO Darren Cleary said.
Sydney Water, the NSW EPA and the independent Wastewater Expert Panel will continue to work together over the next decade to prevent the re-emergence of mystery balls.
