The site stands as one of the nation’s most expansive wastewater systems, catering to nearly two million residents in the city’s south-west, encompassing areas such as Fairfield, Campbelltown, and Liverpool.

The initiative aims not only to stop the formation of debris accumulations but also to accommodate the burgeoning population in the city’s south-west region.

Sydney Water has partnered with the Malabar System Alliance to implement significant enhancements at the Glenfield and Liverpool facilities.

These phased improvements will target essential components of the system, notably the water resource centers located in Glenfield, Liverpool, and Fairfield.

During the initial phase, Sydney Water, in collaboration with the Malabar System Alliance, will focus on substantial upgrades at the Glenfield and Liverpool facilities.

Jackson emphasized that the phased upgrades are strategically planned to ensure the projects receive funding gradually, thereby preventing a “sudden bill shock” for Sydneysiders.

The agency has also increased cleaning and inspections and is expanding an education campaign on fats, oils and grease to reduce the material from entering the wastewater network. 

”We understand the seriousness of recent debris ball incidents and the need to ensure our network is equipped for Sydney’s growing population,” Sydney Water chief executive Darren Cleary said.

“This program of works is a clear demonstration of our commitment to building a more resilient system over the coming decade and to protecting our beaches, which are so important to Sydney’s way of life.”

The mysterious balls first appeared ashore in Coogee, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, in October 2024, before an onslaught of the greasy debris turned up along the coastline.

Beaches had to be closed as crews collected samples for testing and cleaned up the shore. 

Several more incidents of balls washing up on beaches continued until early last year. 

Sample testing and investigations found debris was made up of fats, oils and greases with the sewage treatment network as the likely source.