Dear Hon Chris Minns, MP,

I am writing to urgently draw your attention to a critical issue affecting residents in the Lake Macquarie area, particularly those residing in Blackalls Park, Awaba, Wyee, West Wallsend, Seahampton, and all their surrounding areas. Additionally, I am incorporating two articles as an example of what happens when the Council and Water Board step aside and allow owners to maintain their own Septic Tank Systems (STS). The environmental impact is astounding.

Recently, Lake Macquarie Council has taken the decision to terminate septic tank pump-out services, placing the responsibility squarely on residents themselves after 35 years of council-provided assistance. This abrupt decision has resulted in a significant financial burden on residents, with costs for arranging pump-outs skyrocketing. Furthermore, the absence of sewerage system provision by Hunter Water in our area has compounded the situation.

While residents across the region pay an average of $1500 annually for sewer services, those of us in Blackalls Park, Awaba, Wyee, West Wallsend, Seahampton, and all their surrounding areas are now facing costs exceeding $5000 per year simply to maintain basic sanitation services. This financial strain far surpasses our means and threatens our ability to afford essential services.

As our elected representative, we implore you to intervene urgently to address this pressing issue. We urge you to advocate on our behalf to both Lake Macquarie Council and Hunter Water to reinstate essential services and ensure equitable access to sewerage systems for all residents in our area.

Your swift action on this matter is paramount, as the financial burden and stress on our community continue to escalate. We trust in your dedication to representing the best interests of your constituents and eagerly await your support in resolving this urgent matter.

Article 1: tilligerry creek oyster farmers environmental management system version 1 (June 2014). Pages 4 and 5 are an interesting read;

Tilligerry Creek, part of Port Stephens estuary, is the second largest oyster producer in NSW, valued at over A$5 million annually. Due to faecal contamination from runoff, parts of the estuary have been periodically closed to commercial oyster harvesting, notably after heavy rainfall. In 2005, contaminated oysters led to a two-year closure of Zone 5A, despite no health impacts from consumption. Zone 5A remains closed permanently due to ongoing faecal contamination issues, affecting aquaculture viability. Human faecal waste, particularly from failing septic tank systems, contributes significantly to the contamination, exacerbating the challenges faced by the aquaculture industry in the area.
Due to this concern, the Port Stephens Council is upgrading and installing sewers to minimise environmental impact. I do not want to be on the 'shame list' for contaminating properties in Lake Macquarie because someone else has opted to cut costs by neglecting septic pump-outs and maintenance. It's particularly frustrating because the Lake Macquarie Council has decided to discontinue our regular maintenance, thereby increasing our cost of living.

Article 2: Contamination of estuaries from failing septic tank systems: difficulties in scaling up from monitored individual systems to cumulative impact. January 2019 Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 

Effluent contamination poses a significant risk to the oyster industry and wider estuarine ecosystems, with Tilligerry Creek being a notable concern due to past issues resulting in permanent closures of harvest areas. Failing septic tanks in key locations within the Port Stephens catchment compound the problem, despite efforts by the Port Stephens Council to upgrade systems. Sewerage treatment plants also present variable risks, with unexpected effluent releases during dry spells posing significant impacts on the oyster industry. Agricultural activities, particularly the spreading of chicken manure, have also been identified as sources of contamination. While proactive measures have been taken to improve water quality, challenges persist, including the underutilisation of marine pump-outs and the need for better education and access to facilities. Overall, effluent contamination has been identified as a high-risk issue requiring ongoing attention and collaborative efforts to mitigate its impact on both the oyster industry and public health.

Addressing the need for sewer connections to all affected properties by Lake Macquarie Council is imperative due to the lake's status as the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Contamination of such a vast and significant water body would have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the immediate vicinity but also potentially affecting the wider community and ecosystem. Given the lake's importance for recreational activities, tourism, and its role as a habitat for diverse marine life, ensuring its cleanliness and protection is paramount. By providing sewer connections to affected properties, the council can effectively reduce the risk of contamination, safeguarding the health of residents, visitors, and the delicate ecosystem of Lake Macquarie. Failure to address this issue could result in widespread pollution, environmental degradation, and adverse effects on public health, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to preserve the integrity of this vital natural resource.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue.

Sincerely,

Jolanta Czerwonka

MSpecInclEd, GradDpEd, BSc(Arch), DipAppSc(ArchDraft)