Beach 'poo balls' lead to $3 billion sewage network overhaul

Authorities say thousands of small debris balls likely linked to the Malabar outfall prompted New South Wales to announce a $3 billion, 10-year upgrade of Sydney's sewage network, with initial works planned at Glenfield and Liverpool.

Thousands of small black and grey debris balls washed up on Sydney beaches, prompting temporary closures at popular sites including Bondi and Manly in late 2024 and early 2025. An investigation by the New South Wales environment authority reported the balls were likely connected to the Malabar deep ocean outfall and formed from household fats, oils and grease combined with other materials. Officials announced a staged program expected to cost $3 billion over ten years to upgrade the city's sewage network and reduce the volume of wastewater that needs ocean discharge. In the short term, authorities said they will increase cleaning and inspection of outfall screens, tighten controls for high-risk customers and expand public information on fats, oils and grease. Key points: - Debris balls led to temporary beach closures, including Bondi and Manly. - The NSW environment authority reported the balls likely originated from the Malabar deep ocean outfall and were composed of fats, oils and grease plus household materials. - The government announced a $3 billion, 10-year staged upgrade of Sydney's sewage network to reduce discharge volume. - Treatment sites at Glenfield and Liverpool are scheduled to be upgraded in the coming months, and short-term measures include increased cleaning and tighter controls. Summary: Officials say the program aims to reduce the risk of similar debris reaching beaches and to address strain on ageing coastal treatment plants. The first upgrades are planned at Glenfield and Liverpool in the coming months, with the full program to unfold over the next decade.