❓ Question regarding the potential closure of the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant due to the Westport project, specifically concerning communication, awareness, and business case development. The answer indicates ongoing engagement and collaboration between Water Corporation and Westport.
AnsweredQoN 391Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to an article published on 9 July 2025 by Peter Milne at the website Boiling Cold in relation to Westport, which indicates that "In March, Water Corporation engineers were told the utility would need to close the Perth Seawater Desalination Plant as soon as dredging for Westport commenced", and I ask: (a) who first raised this problem, either from within or outside the State Government; (b) when was the Water Corporation made aware; (c) what work, such as a business case, was conducted under the Water portfolio to inform options reviewed before making the decision in relation to moving port facilities south vs. alteration work on the desalination plant; and (d) in reference to (c), who undertook this work?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
16 September 2025
Responded by
Leader of the House representing the Minister for Water
Response time
9 days
(a) Water Corporation has been engaging with Westport on the potential impacts to Perth Seawater Desalination Plant from port construction since 2017.
(b) Water Corporation was first made aware of the final location of Westport in 2023.
(c) Westport completed the business case on the location of the port with input from Water Corporation on the options review and multi-criteria analysis.
(d) Westport and Water Corporation.
(b) Water Corporation was first made aware of the final location of Westport in 2023.
(c) Westport completed the business case on the location of the port with input from Water Corporation on the options review and multi-criteria analysis.
(d) Westport and Water Corporation.
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