Mandurah celebrates 10 years of Gold Waterwise leadership

The City of Mandurah has been re-endorsed as a Gold Waterwise Council through the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Council Program, marking more than a decade of top-tier leadership in water efficiency and sustainable environmental management.

The annual endorsement recognises local governments demonstrating best-practice water management 

across operations, infrastructure and community programs. First endorsed as a Gold Waterwise Council in 2009, the accolade reinforces Mandurah’s long-term commitment to being built in nature, not on nature.

City of Mandurah Mayor Amber Kearns said the milestone was something the whole community could be proud of.

“Ten years of Gold recognition doesn’t happen by accident,” Mayor Kearns 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.”

Mayor Kearns said the City’s waterwise approach focused on everyday, practical decisions that added up over time.

“Being waterwise isn’t about a single project or policy. 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, including smart water 

monitoring through an in-house meter data logger program, and a centralised irrigation system that helps maximise efficiency and quickly identify leaks across sporting ovals, reserves and public open spaces.

Investment in Dual Aquifer Irrigation Systems at key sites — including the Eastern Foreshore, Rushton Oval, Lakelands Oval and Bortolo Oval — has further strengthened water security by reducing reliance on deep groundwater and improving climate resilience in high-use community areas.

The City continues to prioritise Water Sensitive Urban Design, urban greening, and strong partnerships with developers to encourage more water-efficient and energy-conscious development across Mandurah.

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 — helping reduce nutrients and limit algal growth within the Cox Bay lake system.

Major projects including the Southern Beaches Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan, the Town Beach seawall renewal and progress toward decommissioning the Tims Thicket Septage Facility demonstrate the City’s long-term approach to caring for its coastline and waterways.

In 2017 and 2024, the City of Mandurah was named Platinum Waterwise Council of the Year, the highest recognition in the State Government program, and was again shortlisted for the title in 2026.

“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.”