$72m for water upgrades in WA

The state government is investing $71.9 million in wastewater infrastructure and upgrades to water services in remote Aboriginal communities, as part of Western Australia’s COVID-19 recovery plan.

Water Minister Dave Kelly today unveiled details of a $33 million investment in Broome’s water infrastructure, which includes a $23.3 million contribution from the state-owned Water Corporation to upgrade Broome’s North Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The upgrade will enable the closure of the South Plant to protect the town’s Roebuck Bay – an area of high conservation value and environmental significance, the state government said.

Stormwater has previously caused the Broome South plant to overflow and mix with stormwater flowing into Roebuck Bay.

The upgrade will facilitate the transfer of wastewater from Broome South to Broome North, expected by December 2022. Construction will begin early next year

Mr Kelly said the upgrade would deliver a long-term, environmentally sustainable solution to support Broome's development beyond 2050.

He also announced details of a $38.9 million investment to upgrade water and wastewater facilities in remote Aboriginal communities to ensure they receive high-quality drinking water.

Water Corp will become a licensed water service provider for the remote communities of Ardyaloon, Djarindjin, Lombadina and Beagle Bay on the Dampier Peninsula in the West Kimberley.

Planning and investigations will begin for other remote communities, the state government said, while water services will also be upgraded at several town-based communities.

Both investments form part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, which is designed to boost economic activity in WA post COVID-19.