Hosted by the Water Corporation, achievements were recognised across five Waterwise programs – Waterwise Aquatic Centres, Waterwise Developments, Waterwise Buildings, Waterwise Councils and Waterwise Businesses.
Waterwise programs help conserve water resources and support water efficient buildings and businesses, public open space, urban greening, biodiversity, tree canopy and urban cooling to create climate‑resilient communities.
A record 47 councils statewide have been endorsed through the Waterwise Council Program since it commenced in 2009.
The City of Perth achieved the highest recognition under the program being named the 2025 Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year for its achievements in water-saving initiatives including capture and reuse of stormwater runoff for irrigating parks and public open spaces helping the city reduce its reliance on groundwater by nearly 30 per cent.
The Shire of Ashburton was recognised as the state’s newest Waterwise Council, and the Cities of Armadale and Nedlands and Shire of Capel earned Gold status.
Waterwise Cities Senior Project Officer Pat Ridley said Waterwise Councils upgrade, maintain and redevelop parks using waterwise principles, which support resilient open spaces and increased vegetation and tree cover. The use of weather stations and smart irrigation control systems, as well as implementing stormwater harvesting and looking at the potential for alternative water sources, including wastewater reuse are all waterwise approaches.
“Under Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3 we have a Waterwise target of 100 per cent of Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) local governments reaching Waterwise Gold status. We’re two local governments short at the moment.
“We are also getting greater uptake in regional Western Australia as we focus expanding Waterwise activities and programs, which are vital to how we respond to and adapt our urban spaces under climate change.”
The Waterwise Council Program is jointly run by the department and the Water Corporation.
Local government waterwise champions were also highlighted in the Waterwise Individual award, where Rebecca Thomas (City of Stirling) and Martyn Glover (City of Gosnells) were declared winners.
Rebecca was nominated for transforming the city's approach to water conservation and driving a significant cultural shift, a new groundwater conservation strategy, and the implementation of innovative projects. Her efforts have resulted in the conversion of nearly 19,000 square meters of verges to native waterwise gardens and the removal of 9,700 square meters of turf, showcasing her profound impact on the City of Stirling and its community.
Martyn is a recognised leader in sustainability and climate resilience, contributing significantly to industry guidelines and sharing his expertise through various professional roles. Martyn's leadership in the Waterwise Councils Program led to the City of Gosnells achieving Waterwise Council endorsement in 2021 and Gold recognition in 2023. His work on the Robinson Park redevelopment and the Smart Drainage Program has set industry standards in stormwater management, earning national and WA awards.
For more information on our Waterwise work is in the Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3 and you can also read the Minister for Water’s media statement Waterwise accolades flow for State’s most efficient councils.
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