Construction is underway on a $23 million project to strengthen Jurien Bay's drinking water supply, delivering an additional 100 million litres each year to meet growing demand and improve reliability as the effects of climate change intensify.
Funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, the project includes commissioning an existing groundwater bore, constructing a twokilometre pipeline, and building a new water treatment plant.
Delivered by Water Corporation, the pipeline will connect the new bore and treatment plant to the town's existing storage tank, with powerlines extended to the bore site.
Jurien Bay currently relies on groundwater bores drawing from a shallow aquifer, which has been affected by reduced replenishment as rainfall patterns change.
The new bore will access a deeper aquifer with lower salinity and, when blended with the existing supply, will improve both the quality and reliability of the town's drinking water.
Once complete, the project will increase Jurien Bay's total water supply capacity by 24 per cent, lifting annual supply to 520 million litres.
This investment will support the town's continued growth as a popular coastal community and tourism destination, particularly during peak holiday periods when demand increases.
As part of the project, localised widening of Jurien Road will occur at the intersection with the new water treatment plant access road.
The Cook Labor Government is contributing $18.65 million to the project with the Albanese Government providing $4.35 million through the National Water Grid's Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative.
Construction is expected to be completed by mid2027.
As stated by Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"This project will help strengthen Jurien Bay's water security by accessing deeper, more sustainable groundwater supplies while also ensuring the town can continue to meet rising demand.
"We know that climate change is placing increasing pressure on traditional water sources across Australia, particularly in regional communities that rely on shallow groundwater.
"That's why, through the National Water Grid Fund, the Australian Government is partnering with the Cook Labor Government to invest in practical water infrastructure that supports resilient regional communities now and into the future."
As stated by Western Australian Water Minister Don Punch:
"Jurien Bay is a growing coastal community and a popular tourism destination, and it's important we continue investing in the infrastructure that supports that growth.
"This investment is in line with the Cook Labor Government's commitment to securing Western Australia's longterm water future while supporting regional economic growth, creating capacity for new homes, local businesses and tourism as the community continues to expand.
"By bringing a deeper groundwater bore online and investing in new treatment and pipeline infrastructure, we're strengthening Jurien Bay's resilience to climate pressures and improving the reliability and quality of its drinking water supply for the long term."
