In the 2026–27 State Budget, the Cook Labor Government announced a $52.9 million Regional Water Source Fund to support water planning and investigation across regional Western Australia.
Importantly, this funding is allocated for studies, feasibility work, and long-term planning - not for the actual construction of new water supply infrastructure.
The government’s current strategy continues to rely on tapping the Yarragadee Aquifer, which is already under severe pressure and is forecast to be fully allocated by 2032.
While the fund signals growing recognition of the Mid West’s water shortage, it does not deliver any additional fresh water in the short or medium term.