Construction has begun on the $60 million Busselton Water Supply Improvement project, a landmark investment that will deliver long-term water security for Western Australia’s fast-growing South West region.
Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Governments, the project will increase water supply capacity by 20 per cent and ease demand on Busselton’s coastal groundwater bores, which have supported the region for decades. It represents the largest infrastructure investment undertaken by Busselton Water in more than 40 years.
The new water treatment plant, located approximately five kilometres inland, will secure a sustainable, high-quality drinking water source for the communities of Busselton and Dunsborough, both experiencing strong population growth.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the project is an essential part of building climate resilience for the region.
“Water is one of our most precious resources, and every community deserves access to clean, safe drinking water,” Watt said. “Projects like this will benefit the town for generations to come, which is why the Albanese Government is pleased to work with the Cook Government to deliver it.”
Strengthening resilience under a changing climate
Climate change and population growth have both placed increasing strain on the South West’s water resources, with reduced rainfall and higher evaporation rates limiting groundwater recharge.
The Busselton Water Supply Improvement project will not only address those challenges but also ensure long-term service reliability for more than 40,000 residents across the South West.
Western Australian Minister for Water Don Punch said the project demonstrates how coordinated government investment can deliver practical, future-proofed solutions.
“The Busselton Water Supply Improvement project is a critical initiative that will help secure the long-term water needs of communities across the South West,” Punch said. “Enhancing water security infrastructure is a top priority for the Cook Government. Partnering with the Albanese Government on this project demonstrates our commitment to future-proofing WA’s water supply in response to climate change and declining rainfall, while also supporting local industry and economic diversification.”
Engineering design and delivery for long-term sustainability
Drilling for new production and monitoring bores is already underway, with installation on track to be completed before the end of 2025. These inland bores will significantly reduce reliance on the coastal bore network, protecting aquifers from salinity risks and long-term degradation.
Engineering and design group Arup is leading detailed design, while Guidera O’Connor has been appointed as the constructability advisor. The design phase will take approximately nine months, followed by full-scale construction.
Senator for Western Australia Ellie Whiteaker said the project will also deliver strong economic benefits for the South West.
“It’s great to see construction now underway on this important project for the region,” she said. “By boosting local water security, supporting jobs, and delivering the infrastructure our growing communities need, this project represents a major investment in the South West’s future.”
When complete, the Busselton Water Supply Improvement project will stand as a model of sustainable, climate-adaptive infrastructure, providing a blueprint for regional water utilities across Australia facing similar challenges in managing groundwater-dependent systems.