CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on a $73 million Water Corporation project to deliver essential wastewater infrastructure in Perth’s fast-growing north-east.
Works include a 14.2km wastewater pipeline between Ellenbrook and Wangara, as well as major upgrades to a pumping station near the intersection of Gnangara Road and Drumpellier Drive in Henley Brook.
It will allow more wastewater to be safely conveyed for treatment, and support housing development in the City of Swan’s urban growth corridor, which includes Ellenbrook, Brabham, Dayton and Caversham.
Close to 1600 separate sections of pipeline will be used during construction, with valves, pipe and some fittings manufactured and supplied by Perth-based businesses.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed an additional 11,500 people moved to Aveley, Ellenbrook, Bullsbrook, Beechboro and The Vines between 2019 and 2023, while nearby Brabham and Henley Brook added nearly 4800 residents.
Around 132,000 additional residents are expected to call the City of Swan home by 2050, making it one of Australia’s fastest-growing local government areas.
The 18-month project is expected to employ 150 people and involve tunnelling under Gnangara Road, Mirrabooka Avenue, Hartman Drive and Tonkin Highway to minimise traffic disruption.
It follows significant recent state government investment in the City of Swan.
In March 2024, Water Corporation completed a $36.5m project to deliver a new drinking water pipeline in Henley Brook coupled with an 18-kilometre wastewater pipeline from Bullsbrook to Ellenbrook.
Work is also underway to install a 900m drinking water pipeline along The Broadway in Ellenbrook.
The state government has committed $1.7 billion this financial year to new water, wastewater and drainage projects across Western Australia.
Water Minister Simone McGurk said Perth remains Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, which highlights the need for strong investment in essential service infrastructure.
“Nowhere is that growth clearer than in the City of Swan’s urban growth corridor, which encompasses suburbs like Ellenbrook, Brabham, Dayton and Caversham.
West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti said over the next 30 years, more people are expected to move to Perth’s north-eastern suburbs.
