Higher building costs and forecasted rain reinforce the need for builders to properly manage sites
Increased construction costs, along with predicted above-average rainfall, emphasise the urgency for builders and developers to ‘Get the Site Right’ to prevent sediment laden runoff and other building waste from leaving their sites and polluting our waterways.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in November 2024 revealed that building supply costs have risen by up to 15%1, while the Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast predicts higher-than-average rainfall for much of eastern Australia in February and March 20252.
Now in its ninth year, Get the Site Right is a joint taskforce between the Parramatta River Catchment Group, Cooks River Alliance, Georges Riverkeeper, NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Sydney Coastal Councils Group, WaterNSW, and councils across NSW.
The campaign aims to prevent pollution of local waterways by highlighting the importance of securing building materials and ensuring sites are properly managed. The 2025 campaign includes expanded educational materials and collaboration with councils to help standardise inspection reporting and increase awareness of best-practice erosion and sediment control.
As part of the month-long campaign in March, officers from NSW EPA and more than 20 councils will participate in inspections for a one-day compliance blitz on Thursday 13 March.
In the October 2024 Blitz, 748 sites were inspected, with 56.4 percent found to be compliant by the end of the campaign – a slight decrease compared to the May campaign, highlighting the ongoing need for greater education and enforcement.
$357,410 in fines were issued for non-compliance, including inadequate sediment controls and unsecured building waste.
NSW EPA Executive Director Operations, Jason Gordon, said builders and developers have a duty to ensure their sites have the proper controls in place to prevent pollution incidents.
“Large building sites can lose up to four truckloads of soil in a single storm if not properly managed. This not only wastes materials, but puts our environment at risk,” Mr Gordon said.
“Sediment laden runoff can have serious environmental impacts including harming aquatic life, eroding creeks and riverbanks, and damaging stormwater infrastructure.
“Thanks to stronger penalties, with on-the-spot fines for water pollution starting at $30,000 for companies, builders and developers have even more reason to prevent pollution and do the right thing.”
Georges Riverkeeper Program Manager, Nell Graham, says, "We've found that many builders, renovators, and DIY enthusiasts are also the same people who love spending weekends fishing, swimming, and kayaking in our local waterways. There's a powerful connection there that often goes unrecognised."
"When people understand that the sediment controls they install today directly protect the waters they'll enjoy next weekend, it transforms compliance from a burden into a purpose. Not only do these measures prevent costly fines and material losses, but they're actively preserving these natural spaces for their families and communities to enjoy for generations to come."
A follow-up blitz week will be held from 25 to 29 August 2025.
Members of the public are encouraged to report pollution incidents, including poor sediment control, to their local council or via the NSW EPA’s 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555.
1Australia inflation: Home building costs rise $100,000 over four years
