Green light for $33 million boost to Broome’s water infrastructure

• Major investment to future-proof Broome's wastewater network
• Closure of Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect iconic Roebuck Bay
• Replacement irrigation scheme for town's 43.5ha of green space
• Partly funded by the McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan

Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced a $33 million investment in Broome's water infrastructure. The new infrastructure will cater for the town's long-term population growth and deliver enhanced environmental, community and tourism-driven outcomes.

The Water Corporation will provide a $23.3 million upgrade to the Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant to enable it to treat all of Broome's wastewater.

This will enable the closure of the Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant to protect the iconic Roebuck Bay, which is an area of high conservation value and national and international environmental significance, by December 2022.

The closure of Broome South and transfer of wastewater to Broome North will deliver long-term, sustainable environmental benefits for the town.

Construction is due to start early next year, subject to regulatory approvals.

The McGowan Government's $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan will also provide up to $9.7 million for a new irrigation scheme for the town's 43.5 hectares of green space, including playing fields, school oval and the Broome golf course.

This green space comprises the majority of public open space in Broome, and provides significant public amenity, social and economic benefit for the community.

The replacement irrigation scheme will supply non-potable water to the town's existing public open space irrigation areas through new and repurposed infrastructure.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The McGowan Government's further investment, via the Water Corporation, in Broome's wastewater infrastructure ensures the protection of Roebuck Bay and at the same time secures a supply of non-potable water to keep Broome's open spaces green.

"This further $33 million investment is an important milestone in delivering a long-term, environmentally sustainable solution to support the town's development beyond 2050.

"Our new $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan includes investment in major water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades to improve water services across the Kimberley and regional WA."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Josie Farrer:

"Closure of Broome South and transferring wastewater treatment to Broome North delivers a great environmental outcome for Broome.

"This funding commitment also ensures Broome's green space, which includes open space, playing fields, school ovals and the Broome golf course, will be maintained by providing a replacement irrigation scheme through repurposed and new infrastructure."

Minister's office - 6552 6100

Photo caption (l to r): Chief Executive Officer Shire of Broome Sam Mastrolembo, Minister for Water Dave Kelly, Councillor Shire of Broome Chris Mitchell, and Water Corporation Chief Executive Officer Pat Donovan at the announcement (5 August 2020) of a $33m investment in Broome's water infrastructure. Photo taken at Broome South Wastewater Treatment Plant’s birdwatching hut named Barndarlmarda, which means bird in the language of the Yindjibarndi (Broome Traditional Owners).