WA’s next major infrastructure project to deliver economic boom
Premier Roger Cook, Water Minister Simone McGurk, and Water Corporation's Pat Donovan, Daniel Rossi and Tung Nguyen at Steel Mains factory
- WA-manufactured pipeline to transfer 50 billion litres of water from Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant
- 1.6 metre-diameter water pipeline is the largest ever constructed by Water Corporation
- Program to create more than 1500 local jobs and inject $1.1 billion into WA’s economy
- Cook Labor Government commitment to securing water supplies to tackle impacts of climate change
The Cook Government’s next major infrastructure project, the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant, has marked a major milestone in delivery - with commencement of the WA-manufactured Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline project.
Part of a $2.8 billion program of work to secure the State’s future drinking water supply, this major infrastructure project will play a key role, transferring more than 50 billion litres of water per year from the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant (ASDP).
The 33.5 kilometre underground pipeline will run from Alkimos to Wanneroo. There, desalinated water will be added into the Integrated Water Supply Scheme (IWSS), supplying drinking water to more than 2.5 million people across the State.
At 1.6 metres in diameter, it is the largest water pipeline ever constructed by Water Corporation and is sized for current and future stages of ASDP.
The larger-diameter pipe has been designed to improve energy efficiency by reducing pumping requirements, resulting in a 21 per cent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to smaller pipes.
Each 12 metre section of the 1.6 metre-wide pipe weighs around nine tonnes and has an expected lifespan of around 120 years.
For the first time, the extra-large steel pipes are being manufactured in Western Australia, following the awarding of a $58 million contract to Steel Mains in 2022, which also facilitated the expansion of the company’s Kwinana plant.
Made from Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn Cement concrete, the locally produced pipes will minimise greenhouse gas emissions and pressure on supply chains.
Construction of the first six kilometres of the pipeline has commenced in Alkimos, with work on the remaining 27.5 kilometres to begin in 2025. The project is expected to be completed late in 2027, ahead of ASDP commencing operation in mid-2028.
A consortium of Georgiou Group and DM Drainage and Constructions has been named the preferred proponent to design, build and commission the remaining 27.5 kilometres of the pipeline. The joint venture will partner with Water Corporation to form the Alkimos Pipeline Alliance, bringing together extensive expertise in large-scale steel water pipeline projects
Combined, construction of ASDP and the integration pipeline project will support the creation of more than 1,500 jobs, including more than 170 apprentice and trainee positions.
The projects will inject $1.1 billion into the WA economy, with $65 million directed to Aboriginal businesses, delivering significant economic benefits across the State.
The $2.8 billion program of works is made possible by the Cook Government's Budget surplus and includes construction of the first-stage 50-billion-litre plant, the desalination pipeline, and additional related projects to integrate ASDP into the wider supply scheme across Perth.
This investment underlines the Cook Government’s ongoing commitment to securing a sustainable water future while driving economic growth and creating jobs for all Western Australians.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
“My Government is committed to creating good manufacturing jobs for Western Australians, as we work to grow and diversify the State’s economy.
“Commencement of works to build the enormous 1.6 metre-wide Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline right here in Kwinana is a major milestone for our efforts to deliver WA’s next major water source.
“Together, construction of the desalination plant and pipeline will create more than 1,500 local jobs and inject over $1.1 billion into the WA economy.
“Thanks to the foresight of former and current WA Labor governments, we are leading Australia and other nations when it comes to innovative, climate-resilient water sources and securing our state’s future water supply.
“The $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant is my Government’s next major infrastructure project, and critical to meet the needs of WA’s growing population and set our state up for the long-term.”
Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:
“The start of the Alkimos to Wanneroo desalination pipeline is a major step forward in securing a sustainable water supply for 2.5 million people across Western Australia.
“This water pipeline, the largest ever built by Water Corporation, will deliver over 50 billion litres of clean, safe drinking water each year to homes and businesses through the Integrated Water Supply Scheme.
“Unlike other global cities that are facing significant water supply challenges, Perth has acted to ensure our water supply network is more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“By integrating this new source into our water supply, we are strengthening water security, ensuring that our community can rely on a rainfall independent water supply in the face of a drying climate.”