Water Corporation has finished construction of a permanent wastewater main in Fitzroy Crossing, as part of flood recovery efforts.
The previous pipeline attached to the Fitzroy River Bridge was damaged during a one-in-100-year flood event following ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie.
In February 2023, Water Corporation installed a temporary main to transfer the town’s wastewater from the western side of the river to the treatment plant on the eastern banks, while a permanent solution was designed. Initially due for completion in June 2023, the project was fast tracked to facilitate works to build a new bridge across the Fitzroy River.
Expected to cost around $1.75 million, the new main is buried 30m below the riverbed, providing greater protection from future flood and severe weather events.
Western Australian Water Minister, Simone McGurk, said, “This has been a devastating event for the Kimberley, and I commend the community for their resilience, patience and understanding while we continue recovery efforts.
“Completion of the new wastewater main is a key milestone in the State Government’s recovery efforts, providing an essential service to the community while ensuring works progress on the new Fitzroy River Bridge.
“The Martuwarra (Fitzroy) River has significant cultural meaning and environmental importance locally and nationally.
“This was a key consideration in the design of the new main, which was buried 30m below the riverbed to provide enhanced protection from future flood events.”
Financial relief for water bills remains available to residents impacted by the flooding.
Member for Kimberley, Divina D’Anna, said, “Communities across the Kimberley were hit hard by January’s unprecedented flood event, and the effects will be felt for some time to come.
“Construction of the new wastewater main is a key piece of infrastructure that the Fitzroy community needs on this journey to recover and rebuild.
“I encourage residents to take up the financial relief package – it remains open to ensure that everyone that’s been impacted gets the support they need.”
