The growth of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Region as a major tourist destination has been bolstered thanks to a $2.4 million upgrade of wastewater projects in Coral Bay funded by the McGowan Government.
Completion of the project, announced today by Water Minister Dave Kelly, saw a second evaporation pond built at the Coral Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, allowing it to receive an extra 45,000 litres of wastewater daily.
A spillway has also been constructed. It will connect the existing evaporation pond and the emergency infiltration area. This project better protects the environment and infrastructure from potential overflows during extreme rainfall events.
Water Minister Dave Kelly said, “Visitors to WA’s Ningaloo Region contributed around $110 million to the WA economy in 2020. Tourism in the region provides more than 1,000 local jobs.
“It’s vital we have the infrastructure in place behind the scenes. They will continue to allow communities like Coral Bay to grow and prosper into world-class tourist destinations.”
Water Corporation supporting regional wastewater projects
Delivered by Water Corporation, the project will support the continued growth of tourism in the town while catering to expanding existing businesses and accommodation providers.
More than $230,000 was invested back into the local economy. Local sub-contractors in Exmouth supplied quarry materials and concrete. Some plant hire, water supply and accommodation were sourced from Bullara Station.
The project has helped to support local jobs in the Gascoyne region. Western Australia is continuing its strong economic performance through the pandemic.
The Hon Peter Foster MLC said, “This project will support the long-term growth of sustainable tourism industry in Coral Bay, which helps local businesses and creates jobs.
“It’s especially pleasing to see Water Corporation’s strong focus on environmental stewardship. The construction of an infiltration pond will mitigate the risk of an overflow after periods of heavy rain.”
Since 2017, Water Corporation has invested more than $180 million in new and existing water and wastewater projects in the Mid-West Region, including the Gascoyne.
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