Water Minister Dave Kelly has announced the start of a major upgrade to water and wastewater infrastructure in Broome, with a local Aboriginal business appointed to deliver the project's first stage.
The project includes a new 11km wastewater pipeline to be delivered by Broome-based Kimberley Civil and Drainage, and upgrades to Water Corporation's Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility.
In addition to supporting population growth and economic development, the project will facilitate the closure of the Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant, helping ensure better environmental outcomes for the iconic Roebuck Bay.
The project also includes an overhaul of the town's irrigation scheme, partly funded through the McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
The scheme will use new and repurposed infrastructure to deliver non-potable water to
43.5 hectares of green space across Broome, including school ovals, playing fields and sporting facilities.
In 2020-21, Water Corporation awarded $14.1 million in contracts to Aboriginal businesses across Western Australia, including approximately $5 million to Aboriginal businesses in the North West.
Since 2017, the WA Government, through Water Corporation, has invested
$204 million in water and wastewater projects across the North West.
Project and construction information can be found on Water Corporation's website.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"It's fantastic to see a local business delivering a project that will help cement Broome as one of Australia's most iconic tourist destinations.
"Importantly, this project will ensure greater environmental protection of Roebuck Bay while also delivering a reliable supply of non-potable water that will provide significant public amenity.
"In the past financial year, Water Corporation has supported local businesses and Aboriginal contractors in the North West by investing around $5 million.
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Roebuck Bay is a pristine, natural attraction which is popular among locals and tourists and holds high environmental significance.
"With construction underway, we are one step closer towards ensuring the protection of this iconic area and continued delivery of water and wastewater services for Broome's growing community."
