WATER supply to the Wheatbelt and Goldfields will be bolstered through a $543 million 2025-26 state Budget commitment to fast-track the first stage of critical long-term upgrades to the Goldfields and Agricultural Water Supply Scheme (GAWSS).

Stretching from Mundaring Weir to Kalgoorlie, the GAWSS, which includes the heritage-listed Goldfields Pipeline, is Western Australia’s longest water scheme, supplying more than 100,000 homes, farms, mines and businesses in the region.

Since its commissioning in 1903, the 566km pipeline has played a vital role in sustaining residential, agricultural, and industrial activities across the region.

However, sustained economic growth means the scheme is now operating close to capacity during the peak summer months.

Water Corporation commenced planning to increase the scheme’s capacity in 2021, with staged upgrades identified as the most efficient and cost-effective approach to meet initial and longer-term demand.

This was supported by a $15m investment under the previous state Budget to progress design and engineering work.

The project’s first stage will increase scheme capacity by up to 7.2 million litres daily from 2027
to meet growth and industrial expansion, as well as enhancing the reliability of the scheme.

Pending state and federal environmental and heritage approvals, works are expected to commence in early-2026.

To preserve the heritage value of the 122-year-old Goldfields Pipeline, the project will be delivered in line with a heritage interpretation strategy and management plan, informed by a 2023 community research project.

These essential upgrades form part of the state government’s broader strategy to secure drinking water supplies in the face of a changing climate and support economic growth across regional Western Australia.

Water Minister Don Punch said a secure and reliable water supply was essential for the future of the Goldfields, a region that played a pivotal role in our state’s continued economic success.

“The Cook Government’s $543m commitment for stage one upgrades will improve supply reliability for the community while supporting immediate growth in mining, industry and the community more broadly.

“With well over a century of service, the Goldfields Pipeline remains a key piece of infrastructure. These works will ensure it continues to meet modern demands.”