Shadow Minister for Water, Peter Rundle MLA, says the State Government’s ninth budget cuts regional water programs and fails to address ageing water and sewage infrastructure in Perth.
“Perth’s 70-year-old water and sewage network is at breaking point, regional pipes are rusting and bursting, asset deficiency reports are being ignored, responses to major sewage leaks are inadequate and housing projects are delayed, yet there is no clear strategy from the Government or Water Corporation for critical replacements and upgrades,” Mr Rundle said.
He also criticised what he described as a reactive “fix-it-when-it-fails” approach, and the lack of a clear plan for upgrades and replacements.
“During Budget Estimates, I questioned the Minister for Water on the Government’s emphasis on desalination, its handling of the Hollywood Specialist Medical Centre sewage incident, reduced support for rural water programs, and insufficient planning for South West bridge replacements.”
Following the Minister’s responses, Mr Rundle said, “While desalination will form part of WA’s water security future, it must be backed by a broader strategy that includes water storage and sustained investment in maintenance, upgrades and specialist replacement across Perth and regional WA.”
“Labor has set aside just $41 million across regional WA for waste and water infrastructure to unlock housing, and only $25 million for regional water infrastructure.
“That is a drop in the ocean compared with what is needed.
“Regional water programs have been scrapped or scaled back, with rural water planning, the Water Smart Farms Project and water carting funds all cut in this budget.
“The Minister for Water is big on announcements and short on delivery.”
Mr Rundle said, “With an expected $1.65 billion Water Corporation dividend in 2026-27, Labor can more than afford to revisit its water budget.”
