Joint media release: More than $265 million for better water security in Western Australia

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Water

Water is one of Australia’s most important resources – it’s crucial for our environment, economy and livelihoods.

The Albanese Government is working with state and territory governments to invest in water projects that ensure our communities and economy thrive.

That’s why more than 90 communities in Western Australia will have better water security through a $266 million investment by the Federal and Western Australian Labor governments.

New projects being funded include:

• $115.7 million for three construction projects helping to better manage water nitrate levels and protect infant health, reduce reliance on coastal bores for water and build an advanced recycled water treatment plant for industry and drinking supplies across communities including Bunbury, Busselton and Guilderton.
• $45 million for projects under the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative, including the Esperance Water Security Upgrade and Community Water Supplies Partnership Program with local government.
• $32 million for seven First Nations water infrastructure projects supporting dozens of communities in the Kimberley, Goldfields, Pilbara and Mid-West regions. Projects include bore sealing, new pipes, and new self-contained water plants to better treat, store and pump water.
• $19.4 million for water planning and science, and a business case that will look at potential new water sources for communities in the Lower Great Southern region.

This new funding to strengthen water security across Western Australia follows the completion of nine water projects under the $54.4 million WA Connections Package, funded by the Commonwealth and Western Australian Labor governments. Regional and rural communities have benefitted from these projects, including upgraded irrigation water infrastructure in the Gascoyne region, and the Katanning to Kojonup pipe replacement.

A total of $123.9 million has been committed by the Australian Government through the National Water Grid Fund, with $143.5 million being provided by the Western Australian Government and funding partners.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:

“In a country like Australia, there are things that most of us take for granted – clean drinking water is one of them.

“But for more than 25,000 people in remote Australia, that isn’t the case. These Australians live in places without access to water that meets basic health guidelines. And another 600,000 people live in places without access to water that meets recognised standards – relying on water that’s murky, or contains unsafe levels of minerals, heavy metals and chemicals.

“That's why we're investing in projects like these which will improve water safety and supply in over 90 communities in WA.

“Improving water security is a win for towns and communities, a win for industry, and a win for the environment.”

Quotes attributable to the Western Australian Minister for Water the Hon Simone McGurk:

“The Cook Labor Government continues to deliver water security projects that are good for our communities, industry and the environment.

“It’s great to be able to partner with the Albanese Government and our local governments to deliver critical water infrastructure upgrades for communities across the state.

“Western Australia is feeling the impacts of climate change, so we’re constantly striving to improve and maintain our water infrastructure.

“The Western Australian and Australian Governments are investing in projects which will strengthen the State’s water security into the future and support the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water in our communities.”

BACKGROUND – FUNDED PROJECTS