Two WA councils share in top Waterwise prize | Western Australian Government
🏆 Top Awards
City of Gosnells and City of Karratha were jointly awarded 2026 Platinum Waterwise Councils of the Year for exceptional long‑term leadership in water conservation.
Cockburn ARC was named 2026 Platinum Waterwise Aquatic Centre of the Year for major water‑efficiency gains without costly rebuilds.
🌱 Why Gosnells Was Recognised
Active participant since 2019.
Demonstrated large‑scale water‑sensitive design and technology.
Key initiatives:
Hydro‑zoning and eco‑zoning in parks and streetscapes.
Irrigation upgrades.
Targeted planting programs.
Outcomes:
Over 4,000 new trees and understorey plants.
10,000 native plants distributed to residents.
Reduced water and energy use while improving green spaces and community water literacy.
💧 Why Karratha Was Recognised
Program participant since 2009.
Implemented a climate‑responsive urban landscaping strategy.
Installed smart water metering and upgraded water infrastructure at Karratha Airport.
Achieved:
Significant water savings at Karratha Leisureplex.
Nearly 13% reduction in corporate potable water use.
🏊 Aquatic Centre Achievements
Cockburn ARC: Platinum award for innovation and efficiency.
City of Karratha’s three aquatic centres (Karratha Leisureplex, Roebourne Aquatic Centre, Wickham Recreation Precinct): All received Gold Waterwise Aquatic Centre recognition.
Newly endorsed centres include:
Narrogin Regional Leisure Centre
Katanning Aquatic Centre
Lake Grace Swimming Pool
🌏 Program Context
46 local governments are now endorsed under the Waterwise Councils Program.
Programs support the WA Government’s Kep Katitjin–Gabi Kaadadjan (Waterwise Action Plan 3), aiming to build leading waterwise communities in Perth (Boorloo) and Peel (Bindjareb) by 2030.
🗣️ Minister’s Message (Summary)
Water Minister Don Punch emphasised that securing WA’s water future requires all sectors—not just households—to adopt waterwise practices. He highlighted the role of innovation, collaboration, and local government leadership in achieving real water savings and building liveable communities.