Published on Monday, 21 July 2025 at 9:34:00 AM
Recent sewerage spills in the metropolitan area have prompted the City of Vincent to urge the State Government to better invest in ageing infrastructure upgrades.
Three major burst pipe incidents in Spearwood, Beaconsfield and Caversham have resulted in wastewater encroaching on parks, residential homes and into the Swan River.
These breakdowns in public infrastructure have prompted Vincent Mayor Alison Xamon to call on the State Government to work in partnership with inner-city local governments on an infrastructure delivery plan.
The State Government is responsible for upgrading sewerage, water and main drainage assets, which are the basic building blocks for creating liveable communities.
“In light of the recent burst sewerage pipe incidents, it is important that State-owned infrastructure is maintained, renewed and capacity upgraded, particularly in inner-city areas like Vincent to prevent this from happening again,” said Ms Xamon.
“We need to ensure essential infrastructure is able to accommodate increased density.
“It was concerning to see the significant health and amenity impacts that these spills had on residents and the Swan River and I am sure the State Government does not want to see a repeat.
“Together with other inner-city councils, we want to work with the State Government to create a forum to coordinate key state infrastructure delivery such as water, drainage and sewerage infrastructure works.
“Local government needs to understand the State Government’s plan when it comes to infrastructure so we can better prepare for the servicing of our community needs and infrastructure.”
There are 8,000 drains and 122km of underground pipes in Vincent, with some more than 120 years old.
Some recent City of Vincent initiatives to tackle its own ageing drainage infrastructure include relining stormwater pipes to increase asset life, installing stormwater infiltration and storage systems to mitigate flooding, and pursuing water sensitive urban design opportunities.
Vincent has also purchased a drainage truck to inspect, clean and maintain drains, gullies and pits more regularly to optimise capacity.
Ms Xamon said while Vincent continued to maintain existing infrastructure, it needed to be upgraded to meet housing and population targets.
“The State Government have set an infill target for Vincent of 11,500 dwellings by 2050, in addition to a population growth of an additional 25,000 people,” she said.
“We also continue to approve housing applications, and the State-appointed Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel are giving the green light to medium to high density developments.
“Unfortunately, the current state of pipes and drains does not support the predicted increase in homes and residents across our suburbs.
“The impact of climate change places further pressure on infrastructure to withstand major unprecedent events like we have experienced in recent years.
“So, I encourage the State Government to look at redirecting funds earned by agencies such as the Water Corporation into upgrading critical infrastructure, to ensure communities are prepared and resilient for years to come.”
Vincent is currently undertaking a Housing Supply and Infrastructure Study after receiving a Housing Support program grant from the Federal Government last year.
The study, which will be completed in 2026, provides a pathway to ensure Vincent’s transport, drainage and utility infrastructure is sufficient to cope with increased density in line with State and Federal targets.
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