Geraldton prepares for population surge with $7.5m wastewater upgrade

Over the next few years, an additional 5500 people are expected to settle in Glenfield Beach, WA, bringing with them a need to expand essential infrastructure.

The WA Government is getting ready for this population surge in Geraldton’s northern coastal corridor by constructing new wastewater infrastructure.

As part of the government’s $7.5 million Water Corporation project, a wastewater pump station has been built at the southern end of Glenfield Beach Drive, with a 2.2-kilometre pipeline also constructed to safely convey wastewater to a nearby treatment plant.

The pump station will begin operating in coming months following further connection works.

“To cater for expected population growth in Geraldton and across the region, it’s vital we maintain strong investment in service infrastructure that allows land to be developed and homes to be built,” said Water Minister Simone McGurk.

“Often this infrastructure is buried beneath our feet and rarely thought about; however, it performs an essential function for the community.”

McGurk said the project would support the construction of about 2000 new homes in Glenfield Beach, helping to ensure housing stock keeps pace with population growth.

The project also supports wider development across the City of Greater Geraldton, which is among the fastest growing regional local government areas in Australia. The government said this growth is driven in part by its ongoing investment in the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area as a future hub for the clean energy industry.

Water Corporation has allocated $14.3 million to new water, wastewater and drainage projects in the Mid West this financial year under the 2024/25 State Budget.

“It’s an exciting time for Geraldton and the Mid West, with significant progress being made on developing the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area, which will generate investment, employment and economic opportunities across the region,” said Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton.

“As more and more people are drawn to the region through the creation of new job opportunities, it’s vital we have infrastructure in place that allows for sensible, sustainable development.”

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