Shires in Western Australia will receive grants under the Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program to strengthen climate resilience in rural Western Australia.
Western Australian Water Minister, Simone McGurk, said, “These local communities will benefit greatly from this funding – for important water security projects that will assist these regions in emergencies, supply water for community ovals, and support a reduction in scheme water use and water wastage.
“The Community Water Supplies Partnership program has become integral for local government and community groups to develop off-farm community water supplies to ensure water security for the future and in times of emergency.”
The Shire of Quairading will receive $24,000 to provide a source of non-potable water for the community to access in times of water deficiency or local emergency. The project includes the installation of a 160kl tank at the works depot, the upgrading of two bore pumps and the purchase of a dam scoop.
The Shire of Wagin will receive $13,387 to implement a water security strategy. This strategy will enable the Shire to invest in its future water security, maximise scheme water use, and achieve greater self-sufficiency in water use.
The Shire of Wongan-Ballidu will also receive $100,000 for its project, which involves automating pumps at two dam facilities, Mocardy Dam and Railway Dam. This project aims to minimise water wastage by implementing real-time pump system monitoring.
Agricultural Region MLC, Darren West, said these projects enable regional communities to increase non-potable water sources and ensure water is available for emergency livestock water and firefighting.
“It’s vital for communities to better prepare for periods of low rainfall, and the Community Water Supplies Partnership program enables this through water infrastructure initiatives.”
The Shire of Plantagenet will be awarded $67,675 to install a 409kl steel water tank, pipework and pump to collect water from the Mount Barker Agricultural Pavilion and other buildings.
Warren-Blackwood MLA, Jane Kelsbie, said, “These projects, for many shires, will reduce their reliance on potable water supplies and instead leverage current infrastructure to utilise existing water sources more efficiently.
The CWSP program is jointly funded by the Western Australian Government and the Federal Government’s National Water Grid Connections Funding Program. It provides financial support to allow rural communities to adapt to changing rainfall patterns by establishing infrastructure that maximises the efficient use of all available water resources.
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