The fight to upgrade Jamberoo’s sewer main could finally be heading towards a positive outcome after local developer Fountaindale Group aired its frustrations in The Bugle.

Jamberoo’s housing future has been stuck in limbo due to years of delays on a vital sewer main upgrade, putting the Golden Valley development on hold as well as many residential upgrades.

Fountaindale Group’s Jennifer Macquarie has revealed there have been “some positive developments behind the scenes” since The Bugle published an article on their long-running battle with Sydney Water.

“To create Golden Valley’s 50 new lots and allow residents to build their dream homes on their new lots, we need a bigger sewer main running through Jamberoo,” she said.

“This isn’t just for our development – it’s essential for the whole village’s future growth.”

Sydney Water has been aware of the issue for eight years and despite ongoing discussions, it has not confirmed the size requirements for the new main.

“From day one, we’ve offered to solve this problem ourselves. We’ll fully fund the design and construction of the new sewer main, do all the work to Sydney Water’s specifications, and wait to be reimbursed later,” Macquarie added.

She recently wrote to NSW Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson, asking her to intervene and get this project moving.

“The good news is that we’ve started noticing some momentum. After our letter to the Minister and media coverage, Sydney Water reached out to schedule meetings with us,” Macquarie added.

After Jackson told The Bugle that Sydney Water was now “actively working with the Fountaindale Group to service the project”, Sydney Water also issued a statement to say it will work with Fountaindale “to define the technical scope of work, delivery and funding arrangements.”

“We’re encouraged by these recent developments. After years of delays and moving goalposts, it feels like we finally have Sydney Water’s attention and commitment to move forward,” Macquarie said.

“But given their track record, we’re not taking our foot off the accelerator just yet. We’ll keep the pressure on until we have the specifications we need and can commence construction of the subdivision.”

Macquarie said Sydney Water’s delays are also affecting projects across Western Sydney and she believes “a developer-led solution makes sense for everyone”.

“Once this sewer main is upgraded, it will unlock housing opportunities across the village.

“Families will be able to build granny flats for elderly parents. Young adults struggling with rental costs will have options for secondary dwellings on family properties. And other potential developments in the area can finally move forward.

“Local businesses, some of which have been struggling with Jamberoo’s current small population, will benefit from the economic boost that new families bring to the village.

“The irony isn’t lost on us – we have willing developers, approved plans, patient buyers and a housing crisis that needs solving. The only barrier has been getting Sydney Water to tell us the size of a pipe.

“Thanks to recent pressure from the Minister’s office and media attention, we now have momentum. We’re working closely with Sydney Water on agreed timelines for the next stages, and we’re optimistic about finally getting this project underway.

“And we won’t rest until we have shovels in the ground.”