Water supply to the Goldfields and Wheatbelt will be bolstered through a $543 million commitment in the 2025-26 State Budget to fast-track the first stage of critical long-term upgrades to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS).
Stretching from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie, the GAWSS, which includes the heritage-listed Goldfields Pipeline, is Western Australia’s longest water supply scheme, serving more than 100,000 homes, farms, mines, and businesses in the region.
“A secure and reliable water supply is essential to the future of the Goldfields, a region that plays a pivotal role in our State’s continued economic success,” Water Minister Don Punch said.
Since its commissioning in 1903, the 566-kilometre pipeline has played a vital role in sustaining residential, agricultural, and industrial activities across the region. However, sustained economic growth means the scheme is now operating close to capacity during the peak summer months.
Water Corporation commenced planning to increase the scheme’s capacity in 2021, with staged upgrades identified as the most efficient and cost-effective approach to meet initial and longer-term demand.
“The State Government’s $543 million commitment for stage one upgrades will improve supply reliability for the community while supporting immediate growth in mining, industry and the community more broadly,” Punch said.
This was supported by a $15 million investment under the previous State Budget to progress design and engineering work.
The project’s first stage will increase scheme capacity by up to 7.2 million litres per day from 2027, meeting growth and industrial expansion, while also enhancing the reliability of the scheme. Works will include:
- replacement of 44.5 kilometres of ageing pipeline, mainly the original locking bar pipe, in the Shires of Merredin, Westonia and Yilgarn, with new sections installed primarily below ground alongside the existing route;
- valve upgrades to improve network reliability; and
- upgrades to the Binduli Reservoir in Kalgoorlie, doubling the water storage capacity.
Pending State and Federal environmental and heritage approvals, works are expected to commence in early 2026.
To preserve the heritage value of the 122-year-old Goldfields Pipeline, the project will be delivered in line with a heritage interpretation strategy and management plan, informed by a 2023 community research project.
These essential upgrades form part of the State Government’s broader strategy to secure drinking water supplies in the face of a changing climate and support economic growth across regional Western Australia.
“With well over a century of service, the Goldfields Pipeline remains a key piece of infrastructure. These works will ensure it continues to meet modern demands,” Punch said.
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