Two WA councils share in top Waterwise prize

City of Karratha and Gosnells joint winners of the 2026 Platinum Waterwise Councils award

• Cities of Gosnells and Karratha share 2026 Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year
• Cockburn ARC named 2026 Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year
• 46 councils State-wide endorsed by the Waterwise Councils program 

Two local governments - one metropolitan and one regional - have received top honours for outstanding leadership in water conservation at an event recognising the State's most Waterwise councils.

The Cities of Gosnells and Karratha were named the 2026 Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year, acknowledging their sustained commitment to effective, long‑term water‑saving initiatives.

The City of Gosnells - a participant in the Waterwise Councils program since 2019 - demonstrated how water-sensitive design and technology can deliver large scale water efficiency while enhancing urban green spaces.  

Through hydro-zoning and eco-zoning across parks and streetscapes, irrigation upgrades, and targeted planting programs, the city has significantly reduced water and energy use while supporting healthier green spaces and strengthening community water literacy.

These efforts have delivered significant results, including more than 4,000 new trees and understorey plants, as well as the distribution of 10,000 native plants to residents.

The City of Karratha - a program participant since 2009 - was recognised for implementing a new climate-responsive urban landscaping strategy, installing smart water metering, and upgrading aging water infrastructure at Karratha Airport.

Measures implemented by the council achieved significant water savings at Karratha Leisureplex, while reducing corporate potable water use by almost 13 per cent.

Forty-six local governments are endorsed by the Waterwise Council Program which is administered jointly by Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

In addition, Cockburn ARC - operated by the City of Cockburn - was named 2026 Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year, achiving major water efficiency gains without costly rebuilds or disruption to the community.

In the Pilbara, the City of Karratha's three Aquatic Centres - Karratha Leisureplex, Roebourne Aquatic Centre and Wickham Recreation Precinct, each received Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centre recognition.

Since 2012, the Waterwise Aquatic Centre Program, delivered in partnership with the Leisure Institute of WA Aquatics, has helped 62 aquatic centres State-wide achieve endorsement since 2012.

The Waterwise Council and Waterwise Aquatic Centre Programs support the WA Government's Kep Katitjin-Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Action Plan 3) to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030.

For more information, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/Waterwise/Waterwise-programs.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Don Punch: 

"Western Australia's future water security depends on every sector of the community, not just households, embracing waterwise practices.

"Through programs like the Waterwise Council and Aquatic Centre Programs, the Cook Labor Government is helping to secure the State's water future by driving innovation, collaboration and best‑practice water management.

"These programs are delivering real water savings while supporting vibrant, liveable communities.

"It's encouraging to see both metropolitan and regional councils recognised this year, reflecting the strong leadership of local government in building a waterwise future for our State."

City of Cockburn takes out 2026 Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year