Work begins on upgrades to Western Australias longest pipeline

• Cook Labor Government breaks ground on $543 million upgrade to Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme
• Works to create more than 330 jobs and deliver the infrastructure needed to support business and new jobs in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt
• Made in WA pipeline supports Cook Labor Government's vision for stronger regional communities through Seven Cities vision

The Cook Labor Government has broken ground on upgrades to Western Australia's longest water pipeline, with the government's strong financial management allowing it to deliver essential infrastructure needed to grow and create jobs in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt as part of the government's Seven Cities plan.

Upgrades to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS) will be delivered by Water Corporation and designed to secure water for more than 100,000 Western Australians in the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.

To be delivered as part of the $543 million project investment by the Cook Labor Government, the works will involve:

• the replacement of 44.5 kilometres along the pipeline's 566-kilometre route;
• duplication of Binduli Reservoir to support a 10 per cent increase in the pipeline's capacity; and
• new pipes manufactured in Kwinana using Pilbara iron ore and Cockburn cement designed to last up to 150 years.

The upgrades will create more than 330 jobs throughout construction while ensuring the regions have the essential infrastructure required to support future investment and growth.

Local businesses will benefit from $42.4 million in works, with $14 million to be specifically spent with Aboriginal businesses.

Designed and built by C.Y. O'Connor between 1898 and 1903, the GAWSS is one of WA's most significant infrastructure pieces, delivering water to regional communities for more than a century.

These upgrades reflect the Cook Labor Government's commitment to strong financial management and investment in essential infrastructure, delivering the reliable services that regional communities need to embrace new opportunities, create jobs and grow under the Seven Cities vision.

For more information, visit: www.watercorporation.com.au/goldfieldspipereplacement

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"This project is about securing the infrastructure regional communities need to grow and thrive.

"As part of our Seven Cities vision, we're ensuring the Goldfields has the essential services needed to create jobs and support new economic opportunities in regional WA.

"By manufacturing the pipeline in WA, we're backing local industry today, and with a lifespan of up to 150 years, we're delivering the water security and economic foundations the Goldfields and Wheatbelt will rely on for generations to come."

Comments attributed to Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli:

"This is a major investment in the future of the Goldfields and Wheatbelt.

"This upgrade will increase the scheme's capacity by 10 per cent, helping us meet growing demand and secure reliable water supplies well into the future.

"Replacing 44.5 kilometres of ageing pipeline is a major step in renewing this historic infrastructure, to ensure this vital scheme can continue serving the Goldfields and Wheatbelt for generations.

"The new pipeline sections are being built to last up to 150 years, combining modern engineering with careful preservation of an important part of WA's history."

Comments attributed to Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:

"Reliable water infrastructure is fundamental to regional growth, and this investment gives communities, businesses and industry greater confidence to grow and invest.

"This major investment will help ensure the region has the essential infrastructure it needs to grow, attract investment and create local jobs.

"As we deliver our Seven Cities vision for Kalgoorlie-Boulder, projects like this will make sure the Goldfields remains a great place to live, work and raise a family."

Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:

"The Goldfields Pipeline has supported our region for generations, and these upgrades will help keep water flowing reliably from Mundaring to Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

"Water is so important for the lifeline of our residents and industry, and this is a once in a generation commitment.

"By increasing supply capacity, this project will support growth, jobs and new opportunities for communities across the region.