Largest ever capital works program planned for water services in North-West

7/5/99
The Water Corporation has announced the largest ever capital works program for water and wastewater services in Western Australia.
Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said the North-West program was significant, with $12 million budgeted for 1999-200, demonstrating the corporation's commitment to meeting the needs of customers in the region.
"The work we are proposing will ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the water supply systems to satisfy the growth in North West towns," Dr Hames said.
"The Water Corporation will continue its strong push to upgrade several wastewater treatment plants as part of its - and the Government's - key responsibility to protect the environment."
The capital works program includes:

• the Moochalabra Dam (supplying Wyndham) upgrade which involves the rebuilding of the dam wall and installing a spillway at a cost of $4 million over two years;

• the final stage of the East Pilbara borefield upgrade with $9.5 million spent to date and a further $1 million in 1999-2000 to complete the work. The scheme is being equipped with a high-tech control and monitoring system which will be equal to the most advanced of its kind in Australia. (total project cost of more than $16 million);

• the infill sewerage program in Port Hedland will cost about $4.4 million over two years, (this financial year and 1999-2000);

• the Kununurra water supply scheme will be upgraded at a cost of about $2.5 million over three years, and includes a new 6,300 kilolitre tank, 1.2km of supply main and a new booster pump station. This work will also improve the supply pressure in the Lakeside area;

• in Broome, an estimated $4.5 million will be spent to upgrade the water supply scheme over three years. This work involves a new 15,000 kilolitre tank and 3.4 km of water main;

• evaporation ponds at the South Hedland Treatment Plant will be expanded at a cost of about $1.5 million;

• in Halls Creek the supply main from the borefield to town will be replaced at a cost of $580,000;

• in Derby, a new bore will be drilled at a cost of $ 350,000;

• new sewerage pump station will be built in Kununurra, and new pressure main to service the tourism precinct at a cost of $315,000;

• on-going water filtration trials and design work at the Harding Dam will cost $139,000; and -

• general works at various sewerage pump stations will be undertaken throughout the North-West to improve flow rates at a cost of about $245,000.

Water Corporation: Kevin Bradley, Regional Business Manager, North West on [08] 9186 8280.
James Best, Communication Consultant, North West on [08] 9186 8264