The Western Australian government has broken ground on a AU$543 million upgrade to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS), Western Australia’s longest water pipeline.
Delivered by Water Corporation, the infrastructure project will secure reliable drinking water for more than 100,000 residents across the Goldfields and Wheatbelt regions. The scope of work includes replacing 44.5 kilometres along the 566-kilometre pipeline route and duplicating the Binduli Reservoir to boost total pipeline capacity by 10 per cent.
The steel pipes are being manufactured locally in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn cement, with an engineered lifespan of up to 150 years. The project forms a central pillar of the state government’s Seven Cities vision, designed to expand regional infrastructure to support population growth and business investment in Kalgoorlie-Boulder and surrounding areas.
The construction phase is expected to create more than 330 jobs, while injecting AU$42.4 million directly into local businesses, including AU$14 million allocated specifically to Aboriginal enterprise engagement.
Premier Roger Cook stressed the long-term economic benefits of manufacturing key components within the state.
“By manufacturing the pipeline in WA, we’re backing local industry today, and with a lifespan of up to 150 years, we’re delivering the water security and economic foundations the Goldfields and Wheatbelt will rely on for generations to come,” Cook said.
Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli said modern engineering solutions will preserve the legacy of the scheme, originally constructed by C.Y. O’Connor between 1898 and 1903, while upgrading its capacity to meet future demand.
Meanwhile, Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent described the investment as a once-in-a-generation commitment to regional industry and residents.
The infrastructure upgrade will ensure the continuous supply of water from Mundaring Weir through to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, unlocking capacity for regional economic expansion.
