WA election 2025: Labor MP boasts over drain that cost almost 10 times $1.5 million promise ahead of election

A drainage ditch in Perth’s northern suburbs a Labor member boasted over as part of his election campaign has cost taxpayers almost 10 times the promised amount. The West Australian can reveal the Albert Street urban stream sucked in almost $14 million of cash — despite an original $1.5 million pledge. The project, which saw the ditch “transformed” to a “vibrant” living stream was signed off by then water minister Dave Kelly. The kilometre-long drain — nestled between Honeymyrtle Turn and Grindleford Drive and emptying into Roselea Lake — was completed last year, with Water Corporation expecting to continue pumping funds into it until at least 2027, according to budget documents. The drain is in the electorate of Balcatta, with local Labor member David Michael using the blown out works as part of the State election campaign. Mr Michael — who is also Mining Minster — has posted to his social media accounts, listing the drain as his 15th greatest achievement since coming to office. “The Cook Labor Government has invested in building this urban stream, which will improve water quality and create a habitat for wildlife,” he wrote on the post. Mr Michael also posted in December that its completion was one of his top 10 achievements for 2024. He told The West he was “very pleased to have delivered a great outcome for the local community and the environment”. “This project has now been completed following community consultation and expert advice. This included the installation of gross pollutant traps and other elements informed by the expert advice,” he said. “It will improve water quality and reduce rubbish and sediment flowing through the downstream lakes as well as stabilising the drain itself that was eroding and causing issues with local road infrastructure.” A State Government spokeswoman said the election commitment was “an initial investment” in response to water quality and drainage concerns at the basin. She did not directly respond to questions about whether a business case had been developed for the revamped drain, but said the project had been “significantly improved” following community consultation. “This project provides community and environmental benefits, including improved flood control, erosion and sediment reduction, healthy ecosystems, and enhanced local amenity,” the spokeswoman said. “It has been informed by a UWA study which recommended drainage network be converted into a urban stream to reduce nutrients, sediment, litter and pollutants, and improve general aesthetics and amenity.” Shadow treasurer Steve Martin told The West the Labor spend on the drain was “reckless”. “I’m sure it’s a nice drain, but I don’t understand how it has blown out by 9.5 times its original cost,” he said. “It’s this kind of reckless disregard for taxpayers’ money from Labor which has resulted in WA families having lived through the biggest boom in our state’s history with nothing to show for it.” The new drain will host native vegetation, habitat for wildlife, and improve water quality at local lakes. Ongoing Water Corporation spending will manage native vegetation and keep the banks of the waterway stable.