New water treatment plant works begin in Djarindjin

Water Minister Pastorelli and Water Corporation representatives visited the Djarindjin community

• Dampier Peninsula community first to receive a new water treatment plant
• Second tranche of $37 million investment in improved water infrastructure
• Cook Labor Government raising the standard of water services in Aboriginal communities

Construction has started on a new water treatment plant in Djarindjin, 170 kilometres north-east of Broome, to provide a new long-term water source for the Dampier Peninsula community.

Located on Bardi and Jawi lands, the facility is the second tranche of a $37 million investment in water infrastructure to improve the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water.

The project includes 4km of transfer pipeline and a new 1.2million litre water storage tank. A borefield and access road were completed in 2024, located further away from existing community areas to reduce the risk of contamination and improve water quality.

The plant will use innovative electro-chlorination technology to generate chlorine from saltwater for disinfection. To reduce emissions, the plant and borefield pumps will be powered by a standalone system with solar panels and battery storage.

The project will support around 100 jobs for Water Corporation's majority Aboriginal-owned joint venture contractor, Baldja, with the plant expected to be completed by mid-2027.
It will be the first plant wholly delivered under Water Corporation's community-led Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) program. To date, ACWS has invested more than $82 million in water service upgrades and completed condition assessments in 131 communities to inform future investment and planning.

For more information on the Aboriginal Communities Water Services program, visit: watercorporation.com.au/ACWS

Comments attributed to Water Minister Daniel Pastorelli:

"This is the first water treatment plant being delivered through our Aboriginal Communities Water Services program. It will supply a new water source and provide modern treatment infrastructure to meet drinking water standards.

"These works build on the progress already achieved in Djarindjin and reflect this government's commitment to delivering lasting improvements for Aboriginal communities in Western Australia."

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:

"This major $37 million investment in Djarindjin is the latest milestone in delivering generational change to water services in our Aboriginal communities.

"We are committed to addressing water infrastructure challenges in Aboriginal communities, ensuring equitable access to essential services. This is a priority under our whole-of-government commitment to Closing the Gap."

Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:

"It's fantastic to see construction underway on this important piece of infrastructure on the Dampier Peninsula, which will improve the delivery of safe and reliable water in Djarindjin.

"I thank the community for their support and leadership during these phased works and welcome the Cook Labor Government's ongoing focus on improving essential services across the Kimberley."