An independent review is underway examining a controversial 30-year water supply agreement between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and rare earths miner Lynas, amidst growing concerns over water shortages in Western Australia's Goldfields region. The agreement, signed in 2021, has sparked debate about the sustainability of the city's water management practices.
Water shortages in Western Australia's Goldfields region have emerged as a critical issue in the upcoming state election on March 8. A 30-year agreement between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and rare earths miner Lynas, which involves the supply of recycled water, has sparked debate and scrutiny. The agreement, signed in 2021, has drawn criticism for contributing to the city's ongoing water shortage s.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder relies on a 122-year-old, 566-kilometer pipeline for its drinking water, known as the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme. To supplement this supply, treated effluent water has long been used to irrigate parks, gardens, and sporting facilities, including an 18-hole golf course. While the city has been commended for its water reuse initiatives, the Lynas deal has raised questions about the sustainability of its water management practices.The severity of the situation prompted WA Premier Roger Cook to intervene in January with emergency funding to cover water costs. The independent review of the water supply contract and the decision-making process leading to the agreement is expected to be completed this month. The review, conducted by Perth-based law firm Civic Legal, will analyze the validity of the agreement and its potential impact on the city's water security. Lynas maintains it acted in good faith based on the information provided by the council, emphasizing the economic benefits the deal has brought to Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Meanwhile, the council is pursuing an ambitious 'water bank' project, involving the construction of new dams to harvest stormwater and increase recycled water supplies. However, this project, estimated to cost $50 million, is awaiting the outcome of a $10 million federal grant application. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water declined to comment on the application's status.
WATER SHORTAGE ELECTION WESTERN AUSTRALIA KALGOORLIE-BOULDER LYNAS RARE EARTHS WATER SUPPLY AGREEMENT GOVERNMENT COUNCIL WATER BANK FEDERAL GRANT
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