The City of Mandurah has achieved a significant milestone by being re-endorsed as a gold waterwise council through the Water Corporation’s waterwise council program for the 10th consecutive year. This recognition highlights more than a decade of leadership in water efficiency and sustainable environmental management.
Decade of Dedication to Water Efficiency
The annual endorsement acknowledges local governments that demonstrate best-practice water management across their operations, infrastructure, and community programs. The City of Mandurah was first endorsed as a gold waterwise council in 2009, and this latest re-endorsement marks 10 years of maintaining the highest standards.
Mayor Amber Kearns expressed pride in the achievement, stating that it reflects the community's collective commitment. "Ten years of gold recognition doesn’t happen by accident," she said. "It shows we’re making thoughtful choices, year after year, to protect the natural environment that makes Mandurah such a special place to live."
Practical Initiatives Driving Sustainability
Mayor Kearns emphasised that the city’s waterwise approach is built on everyday, practical decisions that accumulate over time. "Being waterwise isn’t about a single project or policy," she explained. "It’s about embedding sustainability into how we plan, build and care for our public spaces so future generations can enjoy the same beaches, parks and waterways we do today."
A range of initiatives have contributed to the city’s continued gold status. These include smart water monitoring through an in-house meter data logger program and a centralised irrigation system that maximises efficiency and quickly identifies leaks across sporting ovals, reserves, and public open spaces.
The city has also invested in dual aquifer irrigation systems at key sites such as the Eastern Foreshore, Rushton Oval, Lakelands Oval, and Bortolo Oval. These systems strengthen water security by reducing reliance on deep groundwater and improving climate resilience in high-use community areas.
Focus on Water Sensitive Design and Coastal Health
Mandurah has continued to prioritise water sensitive urban design, urban greening, and partnerships with developers to encourage more water-efficient and energy-conscious development across the city. Protecting water quality and coastal health remains a strong focus, with initiatives such as the Cox Bay Lake hydrotalcite clay trial. Delivered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with city support, this trial helps reduce nutrients and limit algal growth within the Cox Bay lake system.
Other major projects include the southern beaches coastal hazard risk management and adaptation plan, the Town Beach seawall renewal, and progress toward decommissioning the Tims Thicket Septage Facility. These efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.
Recognition as Platinum Council of the Year
In 2017 and 2024, the City of Mandurah was named platinum waterwise council of the year, the highest recognition in the State Government program. The city was again shortlisted for the title in 2026, underscoring its ongoing leadership.
"We’re proud of this milestone and what it says about Mandurah," Mayor Kearns said. "Water is precious and managing it wisely is something we all share responsibility for as a local government and as a community."
