The Western Australian (WA) Government has disclosed the start of construction on the Busselton Water Supply Improvement project, a A$60m ($39m) water treatment facility in the South West region of WA.

Arup, an engineering and design company, delivered the overall project concept and has now been named as lead design consultant for the detailed design phase.

Guidera O’Connor will provide advice on construction feasibility throughout this stage.

The detailed design process is scheduled to take approximately nine months.

The development is set to expand drinking water capacity for Busselton and Dunsborough by 20%.

The project, jointly financed by the Australian and the WA governments, aims to address increased demand caused by regional population growth and changing climate conditions.

The Busselton Water Supply Improvement initiative reportedly marks the largest infrastructure effort undertaken by the local water utility in recent decades.

WA water minister Don Punch said: “The Busselton Water Supply Improvement project is a critical initiative that will help secure the long-term water needs of communities across the South West.

“Enhancing water security infrastructure is a top priority for the Cook Government. By partnering with the Albanese Government on this project demonstrates our commitment to futureproofing WA's water supply in response to climate change and declining rainfall, while also supporting local industry and economic diversification.”

Work has started on drilling new production and monitoring bores, located about 5km inland from the coast.

These inland bores are designed to ease reliance on existing coastal sources that have previously supplied water to the region.

Project managers expect installation of these bores to finish before the end of the year.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said: “Water is one of our most precious resources and every community deserves access to clean, safe drinking water.

“Projects like this will benefit the town for generations to come, which is why the Albanese Government is pleased to work with the Cook Government here in WA to deliver it.”

Earlier this month, the WA Government called for industry participants to submit expressions of interest for the planned A$700m upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway.