Broome Wastewater Recovery Facility Closure

What’s happening?

Water Corporation has recently completed the upgrade of the Broome North Water Resource Recovery Facility (formerly called Broome North Wastewater Treatment Plant), enabling it to treat all of Broome’s wastewater.

With the updates now complete, we can facilitate the closure and decommissioning of Broome South WWRF.

Once completed, we are required to hand the land back to the WA State Government for reallocation for future use. As part of the closure, we will be required to remediate the land for restricted use.

To remediate the land, environmental investigation and decommissioning works are required including: 

• Removal and disposal of settled organic material (dried sludge);  
• Environmental investigations; 
• Removal of above ground and below ground infrastructure;
• Site remediation and handover.

Where is this happening?

The existing Broome South WWRF site is located off Clementson Street, south of the Broome townsite. The site is situated on Crown Reserve 37454 (Lot 701).

As part of the decommissioning process Water Corporation will relinquish the management order to facilitate the transfer of land back to the State through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH). DPLH will be responsible for determining the future land use of the site.

Why is this happening?

Upgrades to Broome North WWRF now enables it to treat all of Broome’s wastewater removing the need for Broome South WWRF.

The closure of Broome South WWRF will help protect the iconic Roebuck Bay, which is an area of high conservation value and national and international environmental significance.  
Once completed, Water Corporation is also required to hand the land back to the State of WA for reallocation.

When is this happening?

Ongoing work

Desludging: Our authorised contractor began desludging of the ponds in September 2024.  This work involves the removal and disposal of settled organic material (dried sludge).

The desludging work is ongoing and is expected to be completed by April 2025 (weather pending).

Upcoming work

Removal of above ground infrastructure: Our contractor, McCorry Brown Earthmoving, will soon commence work to decommission and remove all assets which are above ground level.

This includes the discharge tower, concrete slabs, bollards, pumps, above ground pipework and switchboards.

Removal work is due to commence on Monday 10 March 2025 and is expected to take 5-6 weeks to complete. Work will take place Monday – Saturday 6am – 6pm.

Removal of underground infrastructure is scheduled to occur over the 2025 dry season, when the removal of above ground infrastructure is completed.

The land transfer process will commence following completion of all site works.

How will this impact the community?

All decommissioning and ground remediation works will take place within the existing Broome South WWRF site. 

Residents and businesses may notice and increase in vehicle and truck movements to and from the site via Clementson Street. As with any works site, there may be an increase in noise, dust and activity in the area.

We appreciate that this essential work may cause temporary inconvenience and disruption. We will be mindful of residents and businesses and try to keep all disruptions to a minimum.

Who can I contact?

For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Senior Advisor, Luke Middleton on 6330 6941 or Luke.Middleton@watercorporation.com.au during office hours.