To strengthen and support community water infrastructure, two regional shires will receive funding for water supply projects through the expanded Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program.
In response to dry season conditions experienced in late 2023 and early 2024, the State Government committed $1.5 million to expand the existing CWSP program to 12 additional Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in the South West and Great Southern regions that were previously not eligible to apply.
Western Australian Water Minister, Simone McGurk, said, “The dry season conditions we experienced in late 2023 to early 2024 has resulted in even more regional communities feeling the impacts of climate change – and that’s why delivering a funding boost to this program was so important.
“These latest funding announcements reflect the Western Australian Government’s commitment to help our regional communities adapt to the challenges posed by climate change by helping to deliver projects that will boost water security.”
Under this latest round, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will receive $39,528 to install two standpipe controllers to help monitor potable water usage by limiting access to authorised users only.
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes will receive funding for two projects, including $99,946 for a new 275kL tank, automated pump system, enclosure, and pipework to repurpose the Water Corporation’s Dumpling Dam assets for community purposes.
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes will also receive $86,501 to upgrade its current slip-on water cart unit with two new 13,000L water cart units. This upgrade will enable a higher capacity and more efficient supply of water for non-potable uses in the community.
Member for Warren-Blackwood, Jane Kelsbie, said, “In our drying climate, boosting water security right across the south-west has never been more important.
“It’s great to see the funding under the expanded Community Water Supplies Partnership program going towards projects that will improve water security and benefit the whole community.”
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