Upgrades to century-old pipes in East Fremantle now complete

 Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley, Water Corporation Senior Project Manager Shelly Trew and Water Minister Simone McGurk in East Fremantle. 

• Water pipes first laid in 1923 replaced by Water Corporation
• The $13 million project ensures ongoing supply reliability to homes and businesses 
• Around $245 million invested in proactive renewal projects since 2016

Water Corporation has completed vital upgrades to 100-year-old water mains in parts of East Fremantle, Palmyra and Bicton, ensuring the ongoing reliability of water supply to the area. 

Around three kilometres of new distribution pipeline was laid, allowing the decommissioning of an ageing section of main along Canning Highway. 

A focal point for the project was the intersection of Canning Highway and Petra Street, where Water Corporation worked closely with residents, local businesses and the Town of East Fremantle to minimise impacts. 

The $13 million project will help prevent potential supply interruptions due to leaks and bursts, with some sections of main first laid in 1923. 

The proactive replacement of ageing infrastructure will support growth in the area by shoring up reliable water supply into the future. 

Since July 2016, the Western Australian Government, through Water Corporation, has invested around $245 million in proactive renewal projects that have seen more than 210 kilometres of ageing water mains replaced across Perth. These projects helped create more than 250 jobs for local contractors and sub-contractors. 

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"The fact these pipes have supplied water for 100 years is testament to their durability, but the time has come to invest in new infrastructure that will ensure supply reliability long into the future.

"As well as being home to thousands of people, the area is a busy shopping and commercial precinct, so it's essential we invest in proactive renewals to support growth and development.

"I know some of this work has been disruptive, so I would like to acknowledge residents, business owners and shoppers for their patience during these essential works."

Comments attributed to Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:

"I thank locals for their understanding during these works - it's wonderful that the project to replace the ageing infrastructure is now complete.

"This project will ensure a reliable water supply for the electorate of Bicton for decades to come."