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Constructing the Plant 8 Production Bore 22 and Monitoring Bore 01

Posted: 5 June 2025

The Plant 8 Production Bore 22 and Monitoring Bore 01 construction project is part of the Busselton Water Supply Improvement Project (BWSI Project), which will see our largest water infrastructure upgrade in more than decade and a vital part of our plans to ensure the supply of high-quality drinking water can be maintained for generations to come.

FAQs

What is Plant 8 and where is it located?

Plant 8 is a future Busselton Water treatment plant located at 37 Neville Hyder Drive in Yalyalup, opposite the Busselton Margaret River Airport.

Project background?

Busselton Water is planning the future development of its Plant 8 water treatment facility. As early works, Busselton Water requires the drilling, and construction of one Production Bore (Bore 22) and one monitoring bore (Monitoring Bore 01). Water produced from Bore 22 will be stored and treated at Plant 8 in the future. As part of the bores construction, test pumping the new Bore 22 will be required to determine the hydraulic properties of the groundwater system penetrated by the bore. The bores will terminate in the Yarragadee aquifer. The Yarragadee Aquifer contains low salinity groundwater, and is present throughout the Bunbury Trough.

What will the project involve?

This project involves drilling and installation of one 750m deep x 356mm OD production bore and one 750m deep x 114mm OD monitoring bore.

What are the benefits of this project?

Installation of the Bore 22 will provide water to the future plant for treatment and supply to the community. The Monitoring Bore 01 will provide valuable data on the impact of the production bore to the surrounding aquifer levels.

The broader BWSI Project will ensure future water supply demands can be met as the South West’s population continues to grow and we continue to face the challenges of climate change.

Bore 22 will be the first bore of an inland bore-field able to operate as a groundwater source that is independent of climate. Using the inland bore-field capacity will allow a reduction in abstraction from existing bores close to the saltwater interface. This will enable intentional management of annual abstraction volumes from existing bores and treatment plants to sustain and extend their useful life beyond 30 years.

Has Busselton Water considered any environmental and heritage impacts?

Busselton Water have reviewed the environmental and heritage impacts and is working in accordance with local requirements and guidelines.

When will the project start and finish?

Construction of the bores is planned to commence in mid-August 2025 and is estimated to be complete by mid-January 2026.

Site work hours and access

Construction work hours are expected to be 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday. Periodic weekend and night works will be required and completed in accordance with approved City of Busselton management plans.

Impact management

Standard construction noise can be expected throughout the works, which will be managed in accordance with the City of Busselton regulations and our Construction Safety and Management Plans.

Project plans and public objections

Busselton Water has posted the below project design plans for public notification.

It is requested that any objections for the plans are lodged in writing with the Project Manager by email ([email protected]) , or at PO Box 57, Busselton 6280 by 01 July 2025. Hard copy of the plans are also available for viewing on request at the Busselton Water administration office located at 1 Fairbairn Rd, Busselton 6280.

 

Busselton Water is committed to delivering a successful project for the benefit of the community and will continue to update this information as the project progresses. Should you have questions at any point please don’t hesitate to contact our Project Manager Conor Gill via email at [email protected] or mobile at 0400 300 947.