In the late 1980s, public awareness on environmental issues dictated that the government should address this problem. Pollution of Sydney’s beaches and waterways, due to the neglect of industry, agriculture, urban development and state authorities, had surfaced as a major environmental issue.

In response the State Government announced a $6 billion, 20 year programme to cleanup Sydney’s beaches , harbours and waterways. The Government aims, over time, to achieve effluent of secondary treated standard. The Government’s target is discharge satisfying Classification 0 of the Clean Waters Act. There are two components of the plan. A five year plan and a twenty year plan.