Randwick Rangers crack down on sediment and erosion regulations

by LAUREN FROST

As part of the crackdown on building compliance in Randwick, Rangers from the Randwick City Council are inspecting developments this week to address erosion and sediment control on commercial and residential building sites. 

Builders are being asked to ensure that sufficient erosion and sediment control practices are being adhered to amidst the ‘Get the Site Right’ campaign’s ‘Blitz Week,’ which is well underway with the campaign running from the 16th to the 20th of October, involving councils across Sydney and parts of NSW. 

Councillor Mark Drury, Chair of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, told City Hub: “The PRCG established the campaign in 2016 for the Parramatta River Catchment. But the issues are common to all waterways so we have expanded to more than 20 councils across Sydney and parts of regional NSW.”

Chair of the Sydney Coastal Councils Group Councillor Jack Boyd said, “Waterway health is a key focus for our councils and their communities.”

“The Get the Site Right campaign is an important part of our initiatives for improving stormwater quality and reducing litter to improve the water quality and enjoyment of our waterways.”  

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPA) are inspecting a wide array of developments to ensure regulation is being strictly followed. 

Councillor Philipa Veitch, Mayor of Randwick, said “These new controls will ensure a higher standard of design, construction and maintenance, which will ultimately support consumers and workers as well as protect our water ways.”

“Sediment runoff has the potential to harm aquatic life, environments, and habitats as well as damage stormwater infrastructure. Ensuring construction in our area complies with these controls is an essential part of protecting our environment.”

With reforms to the construction industry expected to be implemented in the coming year, it’s more important than ever to follow these regulations.  

Surrounding Waterways face the Brunt of Lack of Compliance 

Erosion and sediment control is a vital element of development regulation as it minimises the amount of sediment such as soil and sand that is washed into gutters, stormwater drains, and waterways. 

Cr Drury told City Hub, “The campaign is all about what goes down our drains into our waterways, we are reducing stormwater runoff to improve water quality across all waterways.”

Poor compliance with sediment and erosion regulations can cause waterways to become polluted, affecting swimming and recreational activities. Additionally, it can accelerate the erosion of creek and river banks as well as destroy habitats and smother flora and fauna.  

“Sediment runoff has the potential to harm aquatic life, environments, and habitats as well as damage stormwater infrastructure,” Mayor Veitch said. 

Cr Boyd echoes these concerns, saying “We have known for a long time that developers and builders play an important role in preventing sediment laden runoff from leaving their sites and polluting our waterways.”

Flooding from blocked stormwater drains due to excessive sediment runoff also causes health and safety risks, making roads slippery. 

“Ensuring construction in our area complies with these controls is an essential part of protecting our environment,” said Mayor Veitch. 

The ‘Get the Site Right’ taskforce is aiming to improve upon the 6% increase in compliance they achieved through their May campaign with this month’s Blitz Week.