State’s waterways in $80m boost

The state government has committed almost $80 million in the upcoming budget to upgrade water networks across Western Australia.

In a pre-budget announcement today, Water Minister Simone McGurk said the state government will invest $79.9 million to replace sections of the water and wastewater networks as part of the 2024-25 budget.

The funding will be divided into $39.5 million for relining wastewater pipes using trenchless technology and the remaining $40.4 million will go towards renewing sections of water pipes in some of the state’s older suburbs.

Trenchless technology works by winding a plastic spiral inside the pipe, the state government said.

“We are committed to reliable essential services for Perth and WA’s regions and are pumping $39.5 million into relining wastewater pipes using trenchless technology to minimise disruption for communities,” Ms McGurk said.

“Many of the water pipes in the older suburbs of Perth are close to 100 years old and were designed to carry water in a very different time when there were far fewer people living in WA.

“People often don’t think about this sort of infrastructure because it’s out of sight. However, these investments are critical to ensure the state’s water supply reliability for the future.”

The state government said the funding would support Water Corporation’s five-year pipeline renewals program that aims to minimise risks of blockages, leaks and bursts.

Treasurer Rita Saffioti will hand down the 2024-25 budget on on May 9.