Water Minister Dave Kelly has today announced the completion of a 20-million-litre concrete water tank in Karratha, which will help safeguard the city's water supply during extreme weather events.
The $17.6 million project - funded by the McGowan Government through Water Corporation - has seen the replacement of the city's original steel tank, which was damaged beyond repair during Tropical Cyclone Damien in February, 2020.
At 42 metres in diameter, the new tank has durable 15.5-metre concrete walls and a concrete roof - providing increased resilience during intense storms and cyclones, and requiring less maintenance.
The project was completed by Western Australian contractor SRG Global, with Karratha-based, Aboriginal-owned company Yurra undertaking roadworks - and assisting with earthworks.
In the 2022-23 State Budget, the McGowan Government allocated $372.2 million over the next four years for new regional water infrastructure projects in the State's North-West.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"This new tank represents a significant investment in protecting Karratha's water supply during extreme weather events, which we know are becoming increasingly intense due to climate change.
"This investment is part of the McGowan Government's commitment to regional water and wastewater infrastructure projects - with more than $820 million allocated to new projects over the next four years, including $372.2 million in the North-West."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Using concrete instead of steel has significantly improved the durability of the tank, helping to secure the community's water supply for decades to come.
"I welcome this investment in essential services by the McGowan Government - which demonstrates its commitment to delivering reliable water services in regional communities, and creating local employment opportunities."
