Budget to strengthen and protect Western Australia's environment

• Cook Labor Government strengthening and protecting Western Australia's environment through the 2026-27 State Budget
• $1.4 billion will be set aside for the Clean Energy Future Fund
• $606 million committed to delivering expanded Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant
• $24.7 million to continue biosecurity and animal disease preparedness activities
• $8.5 million towards the Fisheries Support Package
• $6.2 million to further support the Healthy Estuaries WA program

The Cook Labor Government will further protect and restore Western Australia's environment through the 2026-27 State Budget so future generations can continue to enjoy the economic and lifestyle benefits of the State's nature.

As part of this year's Budget, $1.4 billion will be set aside in the Clean Energy Future Fund.

The fund will help bring more renewables from Collie into WA's main energy grid, including for projects like Clean Energy Link - East, which the government recently announced will be designated a priority project under the State Development Act 2025 in recognition of its State significance.

The Cook Labor Government will further support the energy transition by agreeing to buy power from soon-to-be-built Parron Maam Marang Farm, Kondinin Wind Farm, and Marri Wind Farm in regional WA as part of a series of long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through Synergy and Water Corporation.

Once completed, the wind farms will produce enough energy to power more than 800,000 homes with clean, reliable, and affordable renewable electricity each year.

Their combined capacity is greater than that of the State's remaining coal-fired power stations.

All three projects will also soon be declared Priority Projects through the State Development Act 2025, supporting the State's economic diversification and allowing for streamlined processes, improved delivery timelines, and reduced regulatory complexity.

Elsewhere, the Cook Labor Government is securing Western Australia's water future, investing $2.7 billion next financial year to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable water supplies for future generations.

This significant investment forms part of the Cook Labor Government's wider capital works program of more than $6.4 billion across Water Corporation, Aqwest - Bunbury Water, and Busselton Water over the next four years, supporting local jobs, economic growth, and stronger water security across metropolitan Perth and regional WA.

Through the 2026-27 State Budget, $64.1 million will support existing and future water sources for the Integrated Water Supply Scheme, which provides drinking water to more than 2.5 million people.

The Cook Labor Government will also establish a Regional Water Source Fund with $52.9 million allocated to support water source planning and investment in WA's regions.

Further regional infrastructure investment includes an extra $9.4 million allocated to priority works on water drainage bridges in the South West.

The Budget also provides $166.7 million over the next two years for additional planned maintenance across the State, reducing leaks and bursts.

In the Pilbara - WA's economic engine room - $606 million will support construction of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant, alongside $11.8 million for upgrades to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme and $23.8 million to investigate supply options for Port Hedland's Boodarie Strategic Industrial Area.

Protecting and restoring WA's environment so future generations can continue enjoying its economic and lifestyle benefits will be further secured in the 2026-27 State Budget with the following investments:

• $24.7 million to continue biosecurity and animal disease preparedness activities;
• a further $8.5 million towards the Fisheries Support Package, including funding for an enhanced science program and upgrades to the FishCatchWA app; and
• $6.2 million to further support the Healthy Estuaries WA program, including the Peel-Harvey Estuary.

For more information, visit ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"My government is prioritising protecting and restoring Western Australia's environment.

"That way, future generations can continue to enjoy the economic and lifestyle benefits of our natural environment.

"That's exactly what this Budget will deliver for WA.

"Our responsible Budget management has kept WA's economy the strongest in the nation so we can continue our investment in the energy transition and keep delivering for WA's environment."

Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:

"This Budget reflects the Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to protecting and restoring Western Australia's environment for future generations.

"It recognises the important role a healthy environment plays in supporting our lifestyle, our communities, and our State's economic future.

"We will continue to take a balanced, responsible approach, ensuring strong environmental stewardship alongside sustainable development across Western Australia."

Comments attributed to Energy and Decarbonisation Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"We want to make WA a renewable energy powerhouse, which is why we are delivering the Clean Energy and Climate Action Fund.

"This will help create hundreds of local jobs, support our local economy, and allow us to capitalise on our State's abundant wind and solar resources."

Comments attributed to Climate Resilience and Water Minister Don Punch:

"This Budget strengthens water security across Western Australia through major investments in desalination and regional water planning, helping communities in Perth, the Pilbara, and the regions adapt to a drying climate while safeguarding the natural assets future generations rely on.

"It also delivers practical environmental protection, with more than $6 million invested in Healthy Estuaries WA to support measures like fertiliser reduction and stock containment - protecting our waterways and building healthier, more resilient catchments across the State."