Recommendation
51. Ensure long-term water security through the timely planning and delivery of climate-independent infrastructure that provides fit for purpose and sustainable water services, including:
- continuing detailed planning and business case development for an additional desalination plant to increase the volume of desalinated water supply to the Integrated Water Supply Scheme and meet medium-term demand projections. Planning and business cases should demonstrate how the use of renewable energy and the application of energy-efficient design, technologies and practices are being used to achieve a target of net zero emissions by 2050
- further investigating wastewater recycling opportunities and groundwater replenishment schemes
- based on needs identified in the proposed state water strategy and regional water plans (see Recommendations 48b and 48c) and subject to business cases, implementing climate-independent water supply solutions in regional communities as required.
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 51 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.
Vision – strategic opportunity
Serving the emerging consumer class
Transitioning to net zero emissions technologies
Strategy objectives
Support population growth and change
Maximise regional strengths to unlock strategic opportunities for Western Australia
Enable environmental sustainability and resilience, and address climate change
Enhance cross-government coordination and planning