The Western Australian government has committed $2.7 billion to water infrastructure in the 2026–27 State Budget, marking a major step in securing Western Australia’s long-term water supply amid growing climate pressures and population demand.
The investment forms part of a broader $6.4 billion capital works program to be delivered over the next four years across key providers, including the Water Corporation, Aqwest in Bunbury, and Busselton Water.
The program is designed to strengthen water security, support economic growth, and sustain jobs across both metropolitan and regional areas.
A central component of the budget is a $64.1 million allocation to support existing and future water sources feeding the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, which delivers drinking water to more than 2.5 million people in Perth and surrounding regions.
The funding will contribute to long-term planning and development of diversified water sources as Western Australia adapts to declining rainfall and increasing reliance on desalination and groundwater replenishment.
Regional Western Australia is also set to benefit from targeted investments, including the establishment of a Regional Water Source Fund backed by $52.9 million.
The fund will support planning and development of new water sources in regional communities, where water security challenges are often more acute.
Additional funding includes $9.4 million for priority upgrades to water drainage bridges in the South West, aimed at improving infrastructure resilience and supporting local industries and communities.
A further $166.7 million has been allocated over two years for planned maintenance works across the state, focusing on reducing leaks and pipe bursts while improving system reliability.
Significant attention has been directed to the Pilbara, a region critical to the state’s economy.
The budget allocates $606 million toward the construction of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, a major project expected to bolster water supply for industry and communities.
Complementary investments include $11.8 million for upgrades to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme and $23.8 million to investigate future supply options for the Boodarie Strategic Industrial Area in Port Hedland.
The government’s approach reflects a broader strategy to transition Western Australia’s water systems in response to a drying climate.
Investment is being directed toward sustainable sources such as desalination, recycling, and groundwater replenishment, alongside essential maintenance to improve the efficiency of existing infrastructure.
Water Minister Don Punch indicated the scale of investment reflects the urgency of adapting to changing environmental conditions while ensuring reliable water access for households, industry, and regional communities.
The funding package is intended to strengthen resilience, support economic activity, and maintain Western Australia’s ability to meet future water demands.
The 2026–27 Budget positions water infrastructure as a cornerstone of the state’s long-term planning, with a clear focus on sustainability, regional equity, and economic stability as Western Australia navigates ongoing climate challenges.