The WA State Government is spending $12.5 million to install approximately 3,000 new fire hydrants in high bushfire risk areas across Western Australia.
WA Water Minister, Mia Davies, said the money was allocated in the 2015-16 State Budget as part of the Water Corporation’s capital budget.
“Following a review of the 70,000 fire hydrants across the State, the Water Corporation and Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) found gaps in the network and identified that additional fire hydrants were needed,” Ms Davies said.
“The first stage involved 440 hydrants being installed over the past few months with high fire risk areas given priority, mostly in the Perth hills.
“I’m pleased to announce today that this program has finished a few months ahead of schedule, with new hydrants in place in Chidlow, Darlington, Glen Forrest, Hovea, Mahogany Creek, Mundaring, Roleystone, Parkerville, Sawyers Valley, Stoneville and Pinjarra.
“The next stage of the program will see an additional 330 fire hydrants installed in high bushfire risk areas in Augusta, Bakers Hill, Bridgetown, Collie, Dunsborough, Manjimup, Mount Barker, Margaret River, Narrogin, Northam and York, with the next bundle of Perth metropolitan hydrants also starting.”
The program will be delivered in bundles of up to 400 hydrants across the State over the next four years. The Water Corporation has been consulting with local government authorities, Main Roads WA and DFES to determine the specific locations for the new fire hydrants.
The Minister said that while Water Corporation would do all it could to maintain scheme water supply during a bushfire, damaged infrastructure or a cut to power may result in a total loss of water.
“I remind people living in high bushfire risk areas that they should still have an independent water supply if they choose to stay and actively defend their home,” Ms Davies said.
