Work underway on new $50m recycled water scheme in Bunbury

November 18, 2025
Business News
Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Don Punch MLA, Western Australian Water Minister

From wa.gov.au

Construction is underway on a new $50 million water recycling scheme facility in Bunbury that will provide the city with fit-for-purpose high quality recycled water to irrigate public open spaces.

  • Facility will recycle water to be used to irrigate 43 hectares of public open space
  • Scheme will reduce region's reliance on Yarragadee Aquifer
  • Between 150-200 jobs supported during construction phase

Construction is underway on a new $50 million water recycling scheme facility in Bunbury that will provide the city with fit-for-purpose high quality recycled water to irrigate public open spaces.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook governments, the Aqwest's Bunbury Water Resource Recovery Scheme project will also reduce reliance on the local aquifer.

The south-west of Western Australia is facing a complex and challenging water situation. Climate change and population growth has placed increased pressure on water supply. This project improves water security for the region.

As part of the project, a four-kilometre pipeline will be built from the Recycled Water Treatment Plant in Dalyellup to the Hay Park Sports Precinct, and will service 43 hectares of public open space, with recycled water being delivered by summer 2027.

The scheme will also reduce reliance on the Yarragadee Aquifer, which provides the potable water supply to the region, and will support 150-200 jobs through the construction phase.

Bunbury-owned civil contractor Geographe Civil will build the four-kilometre pipeline connecting the recycled water treatment plant to the sporting fields.

Design and constructions partner Guidera O'Connor will design and construct the Recycled Water Treatment Plant, utilising a range of local contractors providing opportunities for local jobs and manufacturing in WA.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:

"The Albanese Government is proud to support regional communities with practical infrastructure that improves water access and builds resilience.

"With a rapidly growing population and a drying climate, this project will deliver lasting benefits for the greater Bunbury region, and the Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Cook Government to make it a reality."

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Water Minister Don Punch:

"Securing long-term water supply is essential to the future of our regional communities. The Cook Government is taking decisive action to strengthen water infrastructure in response to climate change and declining rainfall.

"Through strategic partnerships like this one with the Albanese Government, we're not only safeguarding WA's water future - we're also supporting local industries and driving regional economic growth.

"As a proud local, I am pleased to see construction underway on this transformative project for Bunbury. It's a major investment in water security, job creation, and the infrastructure our growing communities need to thrive."

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