Mid West Ports a winner with every drop

  • Posted by Allen Newton
  • |
  • 6 May, 2026

GERALDTON’S Mid West Ports Authority has won Western Australia's 2026 Platinum Waterwise Business of the Year 2026.

The port slashed its water use by 33% in less than 12 months while increasing export volumes, demonstrating what the state government said in a media release was proof that operational growth and water efficiency could go hand-in-hand.

The local authority overhauled its water management practices, delivering major savings through the introduction of dry-fogging for dust control, improved product handling processes to reduce wash-down requirements, and upgrades to ageing infrastructure to minimise leaks and boost reliability.

The award was announced today (6 May) at a special Waterwise Recognition Event, held by Water Corporation.

Gold Waterwise Awards were also presented to Perth Zoo, Pan Pacific Perth, Discovery Parks Perth Airport, St Luke's College, and Southern Cross Care.

Since launching in 2007, the Waterwise Business Program has supported high water-use businesses to rethink water management practices, reduce consumption, and lower water bills, helping alleviate demand on WA's water supplies.

“In 2024-25 alone, 305 participating businesses saved a combined 8.9 billion litres of water, bringing the total amount saved since the program's inception to 164 billion litres - enough to fill Optus Stadium 164 times,” the media release said.

Water minister Don Punch said that as Western Australia's climate continues to dry, the the state government is securing its water future through initiatives like Water Corporation's Waterwise Business Program.

"The program helps businesses and organisations reduce water use, lower costs, and maintain productivity as our economy continues to grow,” Mr Punch said.

"I congratulate this year's winners for their leadership in protecting Western Australia's drinking water supplies, supporting local jobs, and strengthening resilience across the state."

 

 

Mid West Ports a winner with every drop
2:06

Posted by Allen Newton

Allen is DCN's WA correspondent. He is one of WA's most experienced journalists with a career that includes roles as Managing Editor of The Sunday Times and PerthNow and as Editor in Chief of Fairfax's WAtoday.

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