Western Australia saw $1.59 billion committed in Water Corporation contracts in the 2024–25 financial year (FY25) as part of a record investment in water and wastewater projects.
This included $110 million spent on regional WA businesses and $16.2 million with First Nations’ businesses, with $244 million committed to WA-made products including pump components and valves until 2028.
The $1.59 billion investment – a 39 per cent increase on FY24 – has supported key projects such as the Alkimos seawater desalination plant (ASDP), upgrades to the Ord Irrigation Scheme in the Kimberley, and renewal of ageing water mains across Perth.
“The level of investment in water and wastewater projects across WA is unprecedented, which brings with it new opportunities to support local businesses, create local jobs and strengthen local manufacturing,” WA Water Minister Don Punch said.
“We’re determined to capitalise on these opportunities by investing in the capacity and capability of our state’s workforce and delivering projects using local suppliers and contractors.
“An excellent example is at the ASDP where, for the first time, large-diameter steel pipe is now made in WA and will not need to be trucked across the Nullarbor – a win for local jobs and for local manufacturing.”
The 33.5km ASDP underground water pipeline sees water main sections being manufactured in WA for the first time as part of a $58 million contract with Kwinana steel manufacturer, Steel Mains.
A total of $2.2 billion was allocated to projects under Water Corporation’s Asset Investment Program in FY25.
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