Kingscliff Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chinderah, New South Wales

Kingscliff wastewater treatment plant is located in Chinderah, New South Wales, within the Tweed Shire Council area. The facility serves a population of around 11,534 people, making it a medium-sized agglomeration under Australian regulatory frameworks. The plant is operational and plays a key role in managing municipal wastewater for the Kingscliff and Chinderah communities. As an Australian wastewater treatment plant, Kingscliff operates under the national regulatory framework administered by state authorities, including the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA). For facilities of this scale, secondary treatment is typically required, with nutrient removal in sensitive coastal catchments. The plant's treated effluent is discharged into the local environment, which ultimately drains to the Pacific Ocean via coastal creeks and estuaries. The region supports diverse aquatic life and is an important area for migratory birds and marine species. The facility's proximity to the coast (within 50 km) underscores the importance of effective nutrient and pathogen removal to protect downstream ecosystems and recreational water quality.

The Kingscliff plant discharges into the coastal watershed of the Tweed River and its associated estuaries, which flow into the Pacific Ocean. This region supports diverse aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and migratory shorebirds. The coastal environment is ecologically sensitive, with seagrass beds and mangrove forests that rely on good water quality. Effective wastewater treatment is critical to prevent nutrient enrichment and protect marine habitats.