Donnybrook, Boyup Brook and Bridgetown are all on an indefinite waiting list for infill sewerage despite experiencing problems with septic tanks and leech drains, including leakage above ground and potential for leakage into drinking water supplies.

“In these boom times for WA, it’s ridiculous that the State’s infill sewerage program has been deferred by the Government,” Mr Murray said.

“Not only are the health and environment problems a major concern, especially with the long term forecast for a wet winter, but the thought of raw sewerage in streets or seeping into backyards is a worry.”

Mr Murray said the lack of basic infrastructure such as infill sewerage also means that people are unable to purchase land at reasonable prices in regional WA, which is detrimental to growth and viability in some smaller towns.

“If young families can’t find affordable local land it means that they are forced to move out of country towns to cities where land prices are cheaper and infrastructure is in place,” he said. “It should be a priority for the Government to put the State infill sewerage program back on track.”

A spokesman for Water Minister Graham Jacobs said that the State Government takes the environment and health of West Australians very seriously.

“In November last year, the Water Corporation re-prioritised funds so infill works in Spearwood could begin,” the spokesman said.

“Questions needed to be asked about the priorities of the previous Labor government, as while WA was going through some of the best economic times, Labor slashed the infill sewerage program..

“Many areas without infill sewerage today could have had work started on them.

“As the State’s economic outlook improves, future priorities for infill sewerage projects will be looked at in the course of the State Budget process,” he said.