Prime House on Davidson Terrace, Joondalup.
Camera IconPrime House on Davidson Terrace, Joondalup. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d490616

Water concerns delay Department of Water’s move to Joondalup

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

THE Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has been delayed from moving to its new building in Joondalup because of water issues.

About 670 State Government employees were expected to move into the eight-storey Prime House on Davidson Terrace on February 11.

However, there have been delays with the handover of the building, which is being managed by the Department of Finance.

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A Finance spokesperson confirmed this afternoon it had been concerned with the way the newly-constructed building’s water supply had been flushed and “the methodology that was used to collect samples for water quality testing”.

“An independent consultant has subsequently carried out further water flushing and testing at the site consistent with the government’s strict requirements and the results confirm that the water quality within Prime House meets the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines,” they said.

“At the request of DWER, additional air quality testing is currently being arranged and is expected to occur over the following week.”

The spokesperson said the project was still within budget despite the delays.

Prime House on Davidson Terrace, Joondalup. Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPrime House on Davidson Terrace, Joondalup. Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Prime House was built by Georgiou Group for Primewest, and was part of a 2013 election policy under the Barnett government that aimed to decentralise State agencies.

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said he was looking forward to welcoming the department and its workforce to Joondalup.

“The presence of 670 DWER employees in the state-of-the-art Prime House building will only enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the Joondalup city centre,” he said.

“I am sure DWER will play a significant role in the future growth and development of Joondalup.”