Millions of pines planted as Water Corporation targets net zero

• Project delivered in partnership with Forest Products Commission
• Provides resource security to Western Australian building industry
• Will remove over 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere

The Water Corporation has taken a further step towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions after establishing pine plantations in WA's South West to help offset carbon emissions.

More than 1,470 hectares of Radiata Pines have been planted across separate sites near Boyup Brook and Boddington. Combined, the sites will have close to two million trees planted and managed over the next 25 years.

In that time, the pines will sequester over 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere.

Delivered in partnership with the Forest Products Commission, the plantations will generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) to help offset emissions produced through the delivery of essential water and wastewater services across WA. 

The mature pines will be progressively harvested as a secure, sustainable softwood timber source for the WA building industry.

The Boyup Brook and Boddington sites are registered with the Commonwealth Government's Emissions Reduction Fund and will begin generating ACCUs following approval by the Clean Energy Regulator.

It builds on Water Corporation's work to reduce its carbon footprint by installing 8,850 on-site solar panels, introducing electric and hybrid vehicles, and reusing biogas to power wastewater treatment processes.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"The Water Corporation was one of the first utilities in Australia to publicly commit to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target, and this project is a significant step towards that target.

"This is also an important part of the WA Government's commitment to a whole-of-government greenhouse gas reduction target of net zero by 2050.

"Delivering water services across a state the size of WA is a massive undertaking and the Water Corporation is committed to doing this as sustainably as possible." 

Comments attributed to Forestry Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"Over the next 25 years, close to two million trees will provide a sustainable source of timber for WA's building and construction industries. 

"This is in addition to helping Water Corporation offset its emissions, demonstrating the obvious mutual benefits of this project. 

"I commend the Forest Products Commission and the Water Corporation for their collaboration and look forward to seeing these plantations mature."

Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:

"I'm proud Warren-Blackwood is taking a lead role in creating a sustainable softwood timber source for the housing construction sector that will also deliver important environmental benefits.

"Thanks to the Forest Products Commission and Water Corporation for their vision and commitment."