Published on Monday, 8 June 2026 at 2:11:42 PM
A major upgrade to Newman’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is underway, strengthening essential infrastructure and unlocking greater opportunities for recycled wastewater use and greening across the town.
The Shire of East Pilbara marked the project’s start with an onsite groundbreaking last week. The $51 million Design and Construct contract has been awarded to Guidera O’Connor, with final design and construction planning now underway.
The project is being funded entirely by the Shire of East Pilbara, with no current funding support from the State or Federal Government.
The project will deliver improved treatment capacity, environmental performance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience, while supporting future population and service growth.
The project will deliver increased treatment capacity, environmental performance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience, while supporting future population and service growth.
The upgrade will enable greater use of recycled wastewater for irrigating parks, ovals and streetscapes, helping maintain Newman’s green spaces through the driest months while reducing reliance on precious scheme water.
Shire President Cr Anthony Middleton said the project is a practical investment in the services Newman relies on every day.
“No one gets too excited about wastewater until it stops working, but this is exactly the kind of work that matters if we want Newman to keep growing properly,” Cr Middleton said.
“This upgrade ensures Newman has the services it needs now, while planning properly for the future. In a dry town like Newman, the opportunity to make better use of recycled wastewater for greening is one worth taking seriously.”
The existing 40-year-old treatment plant is ageing and was not designed for the town’s current scale or future demands.Shire Chief Executive Officer Steven Harding said the project forms part of a broader program to strengthen infrastructure across the East Pilbara.
“This is a major investment in Newman’s long-term infrastructure and an important part of the Shire’s Resilient by Design campaign,” Mr Harding said.
“The Shire is funding this project in full because the work needs to be done. It is essential infrastructure for Newman and it supports the town’s growth, environmental performance and long-term resilience.
“Projects like this may not always be highly visible, but they are essential to how a town functions, grows and responds to future demand.”
Guidera O’Connor Chief Executive Richard Trapp said the company was proud to support this important regional project.
“We are pleased to be working with the Shire of East Pilbara on infrastructure that will support Newman’s long-term needs,” Mr Trapp said.
“Our focus is on progressing final design and construction planning carefully, so the upgraded facility delivers improved reliability, performance and resilience for the community.”
The upgrade is part of the Shire’s Resilient by Design campaign, delivering major infrastructure to strengthen essential services and support long-term community growth.
Community members can learn more, follow updates and ask questions via the Shire’s YourSay page:
Newman Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade: www.yoursay.eastpilbara.wa.gov.au/wastewater-treatment-plant-upgrade
Resilient by Design campaign:
www.yoursay.eastpilbara.wa.gov.au/resilient-by-design-building-a-sustainable-east-pilbara
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