AquaNet Expansion
Aquanet Expansion
coNEXA is expanding the AquaNet recycled water network and storage to enable sustainable industrial growth while protecting potable water supplies in the rapidly growing Western Sydney region.
The expansion will enable a variety of new customers to utilise recycled water for non-drinking water applications.
June 2026 Project Update
We received 20 feedback submissions, totalling 32 individuals from 20 households between 20th March and 3rd April 2026. Your feedback, and our engagement with key stakeholders, informed the reservoir site designs and the proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impact of the project.
A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been completed, as required under Division 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The REF has assessed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed works and includes suitable mitigation measures and plans to control identified risks and to minimise the impacts.
The Independent Pricing And Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) are the determining authority. We have submitted our application to IPART, along with the REF, for their assessment.
Next steps
IPART are seeking your formal feedback
As part of their assessment, IPART have put the REF and the application on public display for 28 days, concluding 28th July 2026. In this time, you are able to make a submission and provide your feedback on the AquaNet expansion project.
We recommend you read through the documents on display to have the latest understanding of the project to inform your submission.
You can access coNEXA’s submission, a copy of the REF and make a submission to IPART by going to their website via the button below:
Project Details
The following infrastructure will be constructed as part of the expansion of the AquaNet recycled water scheme:
- Approximately 16km of new pipelines will be constructed to transfer recycled water from the existing AquaNet network in Smithfield west to developments in Horsley Park.
- The pipeline will be located underground and predominantly within the road reserve
- The pipeline will run through mostly industrial areas, and some residential areas
- A new booster pump station will be constructed to transfer the recycled water along the new Smithfield to Horsley Park pipeline
- The new pump station will be located within an existing commercial building in a largely industrial area.
- A new storage facility, including three reservoirs at a maximum of 15m in height, will be constructed along the pipeline route in Horsley Park.
- The reservoirs are designed to meet the very high reliability requirements of the downstream recycled water customers and aims to ensure continuity of supply with minimal reliance on back-up from drinking water supply.
- The site has been identified to enable gravity feed to customers, reducing the energy required for distribution.
The construction period for the entire scope of works is estimated to be between 14-18 months.
How AquaNet Works
The AquaNet recycled water scheme includes:
- An advanced treatment plant in Fairfield which processes treated effluent (or wastewater) from Sydney Water’s Liverpool Wastewater Treatment Plant, and produces high quality recycled water for industrial and commercial customers.
- Storage of the recycled water to buffer peak and average demands.
- Approximately 30km of network to service customers in Western Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions
coNEXA are supporting State Significant Projects through expansion of our existing network to supply recycled water to meet the project timeframes of customers, while working within the relevant planning framework.
coNEXA has proactively engaged as early as possible to inform the community about the project and consult to obtain feedback on the project and hear any concerns and questions. The planning framework does not specifically require coNEXA to conduct community engagement prior to the public exhibition through the IPART determination process. However, as soon as we secured the location of the water storage facility on Walworth Road, Horsley Park in mid-March 2026, as a proactive approach prior to this public exhibition coNEXA immediately contacted the nearby residents to begin discussions and seek community feedback.
The project remains in the detailed design development stage, and as such the exact location, configuration and final height of the storage facility have not yet been confirmed. The functional design that has been previously presented is still representative of the current design. A key design constraint is the need to provide the required recycled water storage volume and maintain effective hydraulic pressure to ensure the recycled water network functions safely and reliably.
The REF currently being prepared includes a detailed visual amenity impact assessment, including the engagement of a landscape architect to reduce visual impacts while supporting operational requirements. In parallel, the detailed design process is continuing to optimise the storage facility within the constraints of the site, including investigating alternate configurations to achieve the required storage volume while optimising the overall structure height.
Preliminary modelling of shadowing resulting from the tanks suggests minimal impacts to surrounding residents. coNEXA will contact impacted residents separately once the assessment has been finalised to communicate the outcomes.
coNEXA undertook a thorough investigation of site options for the reservoirs which included multiple properties and locations in Horsley Park and within Western Sydney Parklands. The sites in Western Sydney Parklands to the east of the M7 did not meet the technical requirements for the project.
In assessing the sites coNEXA considered:
- The elevation and size of the site,
- The location in relation to downstream customers, residents, utilities, and other constraints,
- Any planning, environmental or heritage constraints,
- Availability of the land.
The selected property met the technical assessment criteria. A detailed summary of the assessment process will be included in the submission to IPART.
We are following the planning approval pathway set out in the legislation for water utility infrastructure developments. Based on this process we are not required to provide financial compensation to surrounding residents.
Yes, the pipeline and tanks are allowed in the Horsley Park area.
The proposed infrastructure associated with the project falls within the definition of a sewage reticulation system under the relevant planning instruments. This includes facilities for the transfer of recycled water for reuse, such as pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs and associated infrastructure.
Under the Fairfield Local Environmental Plan, development for a sewerage system is generally prohibited in certain land use zones. However, clause 2.126 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 (TISEPP) permits development for sewage reticulation systems without the need for development consent under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), provided the works are carried out under a valid Water Industry Competition Act 2006 (WIC Act) scheme approval and within the prescribed circumstances.
coNEXA has existing scheme approval for the Rosehill Recycled Water Scheme (25_034SA). The RU4 Primary Production Small Lots zoning is a prescribed zone under the TISEPP.
It is important to note that while the WIC Act scheme approval and licence authorise the construction and operation of water infrastructure, they do not confer public authority status to coNEXA. As a result, the development remains subject to the requirements of Part 5, Division 5.1 of the EP&A Act and development consent will be sought, with IPART acting as the determining authority.
Drop in Sessions
Members of the project team will be available to meet, and you can ask any questions you may have.
Please join us in person at one of the following drop-in session.
Thursday 26th MARCH 4PM-6PM
Brenan Park Community Hall
Bourke Street, Smithfield NSW 2164
Friday 27th MARCH 4PM-6PM
Horsley Park Community Hall
Arundel Road, Horsley Park NSW 2174
Registrations are essential