Almost two years since the State Government announced plans to build the Kenwick Wastewater Pipeline, construction is still yet to commence.
As a result, 110 properties to the east and south of Kenwick train station remain unconnected to the Perth wastewater system, still relying on septic tanks and outdated treatment systems, despite being just 18 kilometres from Perth’s CBD.
Some residents have been waiting more than 30 years since they were first promised infill sewerage as part of a State Government program, a commitment that ultimately saw over 120,000 properties connected to the system.
Fed up with not being connected to the Perth’s wastewater system, Kenwick residents launched a petition in 2022, sparking action that led to the long-awaited announcement in May 2023 that the project would finally move forward with a $55 million investment towards the infill sewerage.
However, since then, the project has faced delays and seemingly hasn’t progressed at all, leaving residents frustrated and still waiting for a resolution.
Local resident Simone Perkins, an admin of the Kenwick Infill Sewerage Facebook Group, voiced her growing frustration, stating that the community has been left in the dark with minimal updates from Water Corporation and wants there to be accountability for the ongoing delays.
“Only in June of 2024 was a page placed on the Water Corporation website with information on the project,” Ms Perkins said.
“The residents and I would like some clarity on an actual start date or any current issues hindering the project.
“Simply changing dates and information on a website doesn’t assure the Community of any action.”
Work was initially scheduled to begin towards the end of 2023, but that start date was later removed.
Residents were then told that stage one would commence at the end of 2024, only for this to be postponed again in late 2024.
Stage one of the project involves a 420-metre wastewater pipeline being built from the existing line near Kenwick School to Staplehurst Street, but no property connections.
Stage two involves constructing approximately 1.7 kilometres of wastewater pipeline along Wanaping Road, Park Road, Kenwick Road, and Stafford Road, connecting homes to the system.
The last update in December 2024 on the Water Corporation project page states that work on Stage One is currently going through external approvals, with an update expected in early 2025, while Stage Two remains to be confirmed.
Speaking to The Examiner Newspapers, a spokesperson for Water Corporation said they had been regularly engaging with key stakeholders and assured that the project was still moving forward, but they remained unclear on what was causing the delays.
“We acknowledge the importance of these works for the Kenwick community and would like to reassure residents we are working as a priority to ensure these works are underway as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“While it was originally anticipated construction would begin late last year, Water Corporation plans to install the section of sewer main under the rail line during the current Armadale Line shutdown.”
“Detailed design work on the first stage is complete pending finalisation of external approvals.”
WA Water Minister Simone McGurk also confirmed that detailed design work for the first stage of the project, which includes the highway and railway crossings, is complete, with the finalisation of external approvals still pending.
“Construction is expected to get underway soon and Water Corporation is confident of installing the section of pipeline under the rail line during the current Armadale Line shutdown,” Minister McGurk said.
The absence of infill sewerage has caused numerous issues for residents, including health hazards from septic tank problems, with homeowner Lynn Dalrymple spending as much as $30,000 on repairs, although she was insured.
Mun Chew, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, is also fed up with ongoing sewage issues, including regular unpleasant odours, showers not draining, and toilets failing to flush waste away.
Recently, he had to spend $8,000 on repairing a sewage leach pad containment system.
“[the repairs are] never permanent, and costs keep increasing, and so does the frustrations, knowing so many other people don’t have to deal with any of these issues,” Chew said.
“Very little information has been communicated to any of the residents – it has fallen on one or two people’s motivation to follow-up.
“We are in a desperate stinky scenario and are at the mercy of the Water Corp and government bureaucracy.”
City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes said the City had not received any complaints regarding the project’s delays but is continuing to engage with the Water Corporation in regard to its progress.
“The City has been liaising with the Water Corporation on this project and was updated about delays to the project in December 2024,” Mayor Lynes said.
“The City has long advocated for the construction of wastewater services in this area and looks forward to the completion of the works. The City will continue to liaise with the Water Corporation.”
