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Timeline

The Merimbula STP and Ocean Outfall Project started in 2009. This timeline, which we update regularly, highlights some key aspects of the project.

Merimbula Bay at sun set.

How did we get here?

Over the past 10 years, we have thoroughly investigated various options with specialist environmental consultants AECOM, the NSW EPA and community members. We've considered many factors such as the shape of Merimbula Bay, the need to protect our lakes and vital oyster industry, and our duty to safeguard public health. 


  • 1987 - 2008

    Various studies and investigations on effluent disposal and reuse from Merimbula STP. These reports formed the starting point for the 2009 options study.

  • 2009

    NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) directs Council to start investigating better disposal options. Council appoints specialist consultants AECOM to begin options study.

  • 2011

    Community Focus Group forms.

  • 2013

    Community Focus Group recommends to Council that a new Ocean Outfall is the most sustainable and viable option to disperse excess treated wastewater from Merimbula STP.

  • 2014

    Council adopts an effluent management strategy that includes upgrades to Merimbula STP and construction of an ocean outfall. The EPA amends council's operating licence for the Merimbula STP to include a requirement to construct an ocean outfall and upgrades to the plant.

  • 2016

    Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant and Ocean Outfall) Order 2016 issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, section 115U (4).

  • September 2017

    First dye dispersion test in Merimbula Bay. Flora and fauna study conducted.

  • November 2017

    Concept and environmental assessment via drop-in community information sessions and briefing sessions for key stakeholders.

  • December 2017

    Community Working Group (CWG) established and first meeting. Marine hydrographic survey carried out.

  • March 2018

    Community Information Sessions at Hylands Corner in Merimbula, Pambula Markets and Merimbula Seaside Markets.

  • May 2018

    Second dye dispersion test in Merimbula Bay.

  • October 2018

    Heritage and Aboriginal significance investigations conducted.

  • November 2018

    Geotechnical investigations conducted.

  • 2019

    Marine ecology studies ongoing.

  • March & May 2019

    Community Information Sessions at Bar Beach, Pambula Markets, Merimbula Seaside Markets. Public tours of the Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant (25 May).

  • Mid 2019

    The community working group together with members from the project team undertook a Multi Criteria Analysis of the outfall and STP upgrade options.

  • September 2019

    Council and the community working group resolved on a preferred alignment for the outfall and indicative upgrades for the STP.

  • Late 2019 - June 2021

    Further environmental assessments and investigations conducted to inform the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

  • June 2021

    EIS submitted to the Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment (DPIE).

  • August - September 2021

    Public exhibition of the EIS through DPIE (28 days).

  • September - October 2021

    Review, consider and address submissions.

  • November - January 2022

    State government departmental review.

  • February 2022

    Ministerial determination.

  • October 2023

    AECOM carried out further near and far field modelling of different depths of outfall pipe. Demonstrated outfall pipe at 20m depth had very low environmental impacts on Merimbula or Pambula estuaries.

  • April 2024

    Council report confirmed original EIS of ocean outfall pipe to remain at 30m depth and length 3,500m from STP.

 

© Bega Valley Shire Council 2025

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