Construction is underway on a new $50 million water recycling scheme facility in Bunbury, which is set to provide the city with fit-for-purpose high quality recycled water to irrigate public open spaces.
Jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian governments, the Aqwest Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme project will also reduce reliance on the local aquifer.
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) the south-west of Western Australia is facing a complex and challenging water situation. Climate change and population growth has placed increased pressure on water supply, and this project is designed to combat this pressure and improve water security for the region.
As part of the project, a 4km pipeline will be built from the Recycled Water Treatment Plant in Dalyellup to the Hay Park Sports Precinct, and will service 43ha of public open space, with recycled water being delivered by summer 2027.
The scheme will also reduce reliance on the Yarragadee Aquifer, which provides the potable water supply to the region, and is expected to support 150–200 jobs through the construction phase.
Bunbury-owned civil contractor, Geographe Civil, will build the pipeline connecting the recycled water treatment plant to the sporting fields.
Design and construction partner Guidera O’Connor will design and construct the Recycled Water Treatment Plant, utilising a range of local contractors providing opportunities for local jobs and manufacturing in Western Australia.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the Federal Government is proud to support regional communities with practical infrastructure that improved water access and built resilience.
“With a rapidly growing population and a drying climate, this project will deliver lasting benefits for the greater Bunbury region, and the Federal Government is proud to partner with the Western Australian Government to make it a reality,” he said.
Western Australian Water Minister, Don Punch, said securing long-term water supply was essential to the future of regional communities.
“The Western Australian Government is taking decisive action to strengthen water infrastructure in response to climate change and declining rainfall,” he said.
“Through strategic partnerships like this one with the Federal Government, we’re not only safeguarding Western Australia’s water future – we’re also supporting local industries and driving regional economic growth.
“As a proud local, I am pleased to see construction underway on this transformative project for Bunbury. It’s a major investment in water security, job creation, and the infrastructure our growing communities need to thrive.”
