Member for Warren–Blackwood Bevan Eatts MLA says it is “patently ridiculous” that some of WA’s highest rainfall towns including Northcliffe, are still reliant on water carting for drinking supply.
Despite receiving over a metre of annual rainfall, towns like Northcliffe remain without permanent water infrastructure with the State Labor Government carting water daily from up to 60 kilometres away.
Calling the situation “something from the Dark Ages” Mr Eatts has renewed calls for urgent investment in regional water infrastructure following the revelations.
“Communities like Northcliffe, Pemberton, and Boyup Brook are ready to grow, but they’re being held back because the Cook Labor Government refuses to invest in the infrastructure they need.”
Mr Eatts recently spoke in Parliament condemning the Cook Labor Government’s failure to maintain and expand regional water infrastructure, highlighting stalled housing projects and missed development opportunities due to a lack of supply.
“It’s not just water mismanagement—it’s an infrastructure crisis with real consequences for housing, safety, and economic growth,” he said.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals WA and Shadow Minister for Water Peter Rundle MLA echoed the concerns and said the Government needs to act with urgency.
“These revelations reinforce what regional communities have known for too long — this Government has no long-term water strategy for regional WA.
“When high-rainfall towns are left dependent on trucks for basic drinking water, it’s clear the system is broken. We need proper planning, smart investment, and genuine engagement with local communities.
“We don’t need another decade of carted water—we need planning and leadership,” Mr Rundle said.