Western Australia has recorded its largest year of infrastructure spending through Water Corporation, with $1.59 billion in contracts awarded to local businesses in 2024–25. The milestone reflects how WA water project investment is being used to secure long-term water resilience while strengthening the State’s manufacturing and contracting sectors.
More than 85 per cent of contracts were awarded to WA-based suppliers, with $110 million directed to regional businesses and $16.2 million to First Nations enterprises. The Cook Government said the scale of the work demonstrates a strong, coordinated approach to preparing for population growth and a drying climate.
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How WA water project investment supports local capability
The latest investment round covers major works including the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant, WA’s first regional desalination plant in Onslow and upgrades to the Ord Irrigation Scheme. Renewal of ageing water mains across Perth also forms a major part of the current works program.
Water Corporation has also committed $244 million through to 2028 for WA-made products. This includes steel pipes, valves and pump components that support both day-to-day operations and delivery of the State’s major projects. One standout is the conveyance pipeline for the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant, where extra-large steel water mains are being manufactured locally for the first time under a $58 million contract with Kwinana-based Steel Mains.
Water Minister Don Punch said the investment uplift had opened new opportunities across WA.
“The level of investment in water and wastewater projects across WA is unprecedented, which brings with it new opportunities to support local businesses, create local jobs and strengthen local manufacturing,” he said.
Punch said the benefits extended across multiple regions.
“We’re determined to capitalise on these opportunities by investing in the capacity and capability of our State’s workforce and delivering projects using local suppliers and contractors,” he said.
A record program to meet long-term water needs
Water Corporation’s Asset Investment Program has allocated $2.2 billion this financial year to continue developing sources, renewing key assets and strengthening network resilience.
Punch said the program was also helping modernise manufacturing supply chains.
“An excellent example is at the ASDP, where, for the first time, large-diameter steel pipe is now made in WA and will not need to be trucked across the Nullarbor. It is a win for local jobs and for local manufacturing,” he said.
The strong pipeline of works is expected to support communities throughout WA by improving water security, supporting economic growth, and ensuring the State’s utilities remain prepared for long-term climatic and demand pressures.