The Water Corporation pump station in Wattle Grove has undergone a unique transformation.
It now boasts the distinctive shape of banksia leaves, adorned in a vibrant array of colours that mirror the local environment. This innovative makeover has turned the pump station into a captivating piece of art, infusing the area with a new sense of vibrancy and character.
This makeover comes as part of Water Corporation’s Splash of Colour program. This public art program celebrates the community’s connection to water, highlighting Western Australia’s water cycle and the important role water conservation plays in the state’s future.
Water Minister Simone McGurk said, “It’s fantastic to see a faded Wattle Grove pump station turned into a stunning artwork that reflects the colours and nature of the surrounding neighbourhood, giving it a sense of place. “Through the Splash of Colour program, we’ve worked with communities across the State to bring local water stories to life on more than 75 Water Corporation assets.”
As a key part of the program, local artist Leanne Bray collaborated with Year 2 students from Wattle Grove Primary School. The children, with their own hands, cut out the shapes of banksia leaves and layered them on cardboard to create their own mural, which inspired the final design. The once-faded pump station features the earthy tones of native flora with the colours of surrounding suburbia.
Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price said the artwork reminds people of the beauty of the beauty of the local environment and how it can be maintained without the need for excessive water.
“The children of Wattle Grove Primary School should be proud of their contribution to turning this building, which was something of an eyesore to its neighbours, into a beautiful work of art. Importantly, having local children involved in the program helps them learn about the relationship between water and plants, which they can share with their families.”
The Wattle Grove mural shows the beauty and resilience of waterwise plants that flourish in the local environment, even when there is little rainfall and the importance of water as a valued resource.
“Having experienced one of the driest and hottest summers ever, it’s fitting that we are inspired by a water story that shows the relationship of water to local native flora that has thrived for thousands of years in hot, dry conditions,” said Ms McGurk.
“More than ever, we need to look to nature to show us how to keep our environment green and cool.”
The Splash of Colour program is part of the Western Australian Government’s Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2), which aims to establish Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) as leading waterwise cities by 2030.
Under the plan, Water Corporation is working with local communities to strengthen community connection to local water stories and the environment.
Image: Water Corporation
