A major milestone in the NSW Government’s remediation of the former Waratah Gasworks in Newcastle has been reached, with construction on new homes to commence this week.
Property and Development NSW (PDNSW) has completed remediation of 11 residential lots which were contaminated with soil and infrastructure left behind by the former gasworks operation.
“It is fantastic this land is being returned for residential use, and we’ll be able to maintain the character of the area for the benefit of the community,” said Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper.
“There were many sites across the state that were unfortunately impacted by historic industrial use when environmental protections were not as strong as they are today.
“The Minns Labor government is taking proactive steps to tackle environmental challenges, like the Waratah Gasworks site, to safeguard community health and ensure impacted land can be safely re-used into the future.”
The remediation project takes in a total of 13 properties on Ellis and Turton Roads. Seven properties are being rebuilt, while four others will be sold on the private market.
The remediation work completed involved the excavation and removal of contaminated soil and gasworks infrastructure buried at the site of the former gasworks, which operated from 1889 to 1926.
“The legacy of the former Waratah Gasworks has been a real and lived experience for many residents, so this is a significant moment for families who call this area home,” said Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery.
“There is still work to do before the site is fully remediated, but this is an important milestone in ensuring the issues of the past are finally put to bed.”
The works are part of a $25 million project that has so far removed more than 20,000 tonnes of gasworks impacted material.
Work included excavation and removal of a 56-metre-wide underground gasholder which extended to a depth of 6 metres below the ground, along with tar wells, and purifier beds.
Contamination at the site was first detected in 2016 during investigations conducted by the City of Newcastle Council and then reported to the NSW EPA.
“Property and Development NSW began its civil works at Waratah in late 2023 and our handover of the first property to one of the residents at Ellis Road is an important milestone in our ongoing work to remediate the land where the former Waratah Gasworks once stood,” said PDNSW Executive Director – Environmental Management Group, Peter Graham.
“I am extremely grateful to the residents for their patience and engaging with us throughout the process. This is a complex and challenging project, and the work continues to ensure all 13 properties will be suitable for future residential use.”
For more information, visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/our-business/environmental-management-group/waratah-gasworks-site-remediation.
