The Western Australian Government will spend $20million funding three new projects to boost water supplies in the Pilbara’s major cities over the next five to 10 years.


Water Minister Bill Marmion said the projects, funded through Royalties for Regions, would deliver a range of outcomes from finding new sources to increased recycling.


“Combined, these projects deliver increased population capacity for Karratha and Port Hedland by finding new water and re-using existing water,” Mr Marmion said.


“$12million will be spent investigating options to meet Port Hedland’s current and future needs from groundwater, and to determine the long-term availability of water supplies that may be impacted by the climate.

 
“A further $8million will be spent on two wastewater treatment projects in Karratha to save scheme water through water re-use practices and facilitate land development options.”


The projects will be carried out by the Department of Water and the Water Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Regional Development and Lands’ Pilbara Cities office.


Regional Development and Lands Minister Brendon Grylls said the projects supported a wide range of regional outcomes, including city expansion under the Pilbara Cities vision.


“This includes residential subdivisions, expansion and establishment of new mine sites, energy and infrastructure projects, agricultural activities and new industrial estates,” Mr Grylls said.


“Continued water and land availability in these priority areas will generate certainty for investment in the Pilbara Cities vision to develop populations of 50,000 in Karratha and Port Hedland by 2035.”