Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth

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Australia’s growing population, expanding industries, shifting climate and ageing water assets are increasing pressure on urban, regional and remote water systems, requiring sustained investment in secure, reliable and climate resilient water infrastructure.
Water

Summary: Infrastructure response and investment priorities

Australia’s water systems face growing pressure from population growth, climate impacts, ageing assets and rising industrial water demands. Targeted investment over the next 10 years needs to focus on strengthening supply reliability, modernising critical water and wastewater infrastructure and improving water security for regional and remote communities.

Table 21 identifies the highest priority proposals for Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth to provide targeted solutions to address identified infrastructure constraints.

Table 21: Secure, Sustainable Water for Growth: 2026 Infrastructure Priority List proposals 
10-year national priorities

Location

Investment timing
Ensuring reliable and safe water services for all
Diversifying urban water supply
Darwin region water supply (Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage)

NT

Investment-ready for Planning
Perth and south-western coast water security

WA

2-4 year pipeline
Securing water for the economy
Northern South Australia productive water security

SA

2-4 year pipeline
Ord-East Kimberley irrigation expansion

WA, NT

2-4 year pipeline
Paradise Dam improvement project

QLD

Investment-ready for Delivery
Werribee water system reconfiguration

VIC

Investment-ready for Planning
Modernising wastewater treatment
Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant capacity

SA

Investment-ready for Planning
Launceston Sewerage improvement program

TAS

Investment-ready for Planning