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.