An update on the Jamberoo sewage saga and how it’s affected Golden Valley

We know many of you have been waiting patiently for news about Golden Valley Jamberoo. We can finally share some positive developments and let you in on what’s been happening behind the scenes.

The challenge we’ve been facing

For those who haven’t been following our journey, here’s the situation in simple terms. To create Golden Valley’s 50 new lots and allow residents to build their dream homes on their new lots, we need a bigger sewer main running through Jamberoo. This isn’t just for our development – it’s essential for the whole village’s future growth.

Sydney Water has known about this need since 2017 when we first started the rezoning process. But despite nearly a decade of discussions, they still haven’t confirmed the size requirements for the new main. Without that crucial detail, we can’t design it, build it, or move forward.

This affects more than just Golden Valley. Existing Jamberoo residents haven’t been able to build granny flats or secondary dwellings for years because Sydney Water won’t approve new connections to the current overloaded system.

“Both the State Government and councils are encouraging people to add granny flats as part of the housing crisis … but it’s just not possible in Jamberoo,” Fountaindale Group Director Jennifer Macquarie told The Bugle.

“That affects local families, whether it’s for elderly parents or young people who can’t afford to rent.”

We’ve been ready to act

From day one, we’ve offered to solve this problem ourselves. We’ll fully fund the design and construction of the new sewer main, do all the work to Sydney Water’s specifications, and wait to be reimbursed later.

As Jennifer told The Bugle, “They keep saying, ‘we need to do a study, we need to figure it out’ and then they never do the work. It just keeps getting deferred.”

We estimate that once Sydney Water provides the specifications, we could have the sewer main designed and built within about nine months.

Taking action after going in circles for eight years

After 18 months without meaningful direction from Sydney Water, we decided enough was enough. Last month, Jennifer wrote directly to NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson, asking her to intervene and get this project moving.

We also spoke with local media, including ABC Illawarra and The Bugle, to highlight how red tape is holding back not just our development, but Jamberoo’s entire housing future.

Positive movement

The good news is that we’ve started noticing some momentum. After our letter to the Minister and media coverage, Sydney Water reached out to schedule meetings with us.

Minister Rose Jackson responded positively, saying the Minns Government is focused on ensuring housing and infrastructure are delivered together in communities like Jamberoo. She confirmed that Sydney Water is now “actively working with the Fountaindale Group to service the project.”

Sydney Water has also issued a statement saying they’re working with us “to define the technical scope of work, delivery and funding arrangements.”

Cautious optimism

We’re encouraged by these recent developments. After years of delays and moving goalposts, it feels like we finally have Sydney Water’s attention and commitment to move forward.

But given their track record, we’re not taking our foot off the accelerator just yet. We’ll keep the pressure on until we have the specifications we need and can commence construction of the subdivision.

This isn’t just about one development. Sydney Water’s delays are affecting projects across Western Sydney too, suggesting they’re stretched and under-resourced. That’s why we believe our developer-led solution makes sense for everyone.

What this means for the whole of Jamberoo

Once this sewer main is upgraded, it will unlock housing opportunities across the village. Families will be able to build granny flats for elderly parents. Young adults struggling with rental costs will have options for secondary dwellings on family properties. And other potential developments in the area can finally move forward.

Local businesses, some of which have been struggling with Jamberoo’s current small population, will benefit from the economic boost that new families bring to the village.

Our development team’s promise to you

We understand and appreciate your patience during this lengthy process. The irony isn’t lost on us – we have willing developers, approved plans, patient buyers, and a housing crisis that needs solving. The only barrier has been getting Sydney Water to tell us the size of a pipe.

Thanks to recent pressure from the Minister’s office and media attention, we now have momentum. We’re working closely with Sydney Water on agreed timelines for the next stages, and we’re optimistic about finally getting this project underway.

We’ll keep you updated as discussions progress. And we won’t rest until we have shovels in the ground.

For more detailed coverage of this issue, you can read the full story in The Bugle’s recent article.

Thank you for your continued patience. Jamberoo’s housing future is finally looking brighter.

The Golden Valley team

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