$37 million infrastructure supports growth in Perth's north

Bakton, laser-guided tunnel boring machine, was used to tunnel between six and 27 metres underground

• $37 million wastewater network extension complete in northern suburbs
• Massive tunnels drilled under Clarkson and Mitchell Freeway
• Project to support housing development and population growth in City of Wanneroo

A $37 million Western Australian Government project to support growth in Perth's northern suburbs by providing reliable wastewater and drainage services has been completed.

Delivered by Water Corporation, the project's final stage saw almost 2 kilometres of wastewater pipeline installed in Clarkson, passing under the Mitchell Freeway into Neerabup, where it completed the 11.6km northern wastewater network in the City of Wanneroo.

The project will support long-term growth in the area, with the City of Wanneroo's population expected to increase by almost 60 per cent to some 368,000 residents between 2024 and 2041.

Four massive tunnels were drilled by Bakton, a laser-guided tunnel boring machine whose name was selected through a community naming competition. Tunnels drilled by Bakton are between 6 metres and 27m underground and house pipes between 1.8m and 2.2m in diameter.

While the shortest tunnel was 190m, one of the longest was a 637m line under the Mitchell Freeway and Joondalup rail line. Eight shafts and access chambers were built for maintenance.

Wastewater flows can be diverted through the new system from pump stations across the City of Wanneroo to the Alkimos Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Water Corporation is continuing to work with the City of Wanneroo and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to rehabilitate a small area of the Neerabup National Park where work was done to join the new pipeline to the existing infrastructure.

The WA Government is committed to providing essential infrastructure and services to support the growing metropolitan area, budgeting $487.5 million to metropolitan water, wastewater and drainage projects in 2023-24.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"The completed extension of wastewater infrastructure in the northern suburbs is vital to supporting a growing population, both now and into the future.

"This project underscores the Cook Government's commitment to supporting major infrastructure projects that allow our city to grow and develop sustainably.

"Water Corporation has worked closely with the community to minimise disruption while laying vital infrastructure through established neighbourhoods."

Comments attributed to Burns Beach MLA Mark Folkard:

"This investment will support ongoing growth as more people look to move to our communities here in the popular northern suburbs.

"As well as providing the foundations to support our future population, current residents can be confident that their services will not be adversely affected by future developments in nearby suburbs."