- Cook Government offering $1 million in grants for farmers to improve water security and build resilience in a drying climate
- Up to fifty farmers to take part in research which will use magnetic surveys to find water in underground bedrock
- The research is part of the WaterSmart Farms program, established in 2021, to support Wheatbelt agribusinesses and communities investigate water smart options
The Cook Government is offering $1 million in grants for farmers to improve on-farm water options, water security and resilience in drying climates as part of the latest WaterSmart Farms research initiative.
Farmers in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern, who are planning to drill for water, can apply for up to $20,000 to take part in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Curtin University research initiative which will use magnetic surveys to find water in underground bedrock.
The research team will work with up to 50 eligible farmers, and specialist companies in ground based geophysical surveys and drilling to develop fit-for-purpose groundwater exploration services.
The grants will build on DPIRD's early research, which involved a small number of farms where researchers found water at more than half the exploration sites.
This phase of research will work with more farmers across a larger area with the aim of improving landholder understanding of water supply options on their land and increasing access to excess ground water.
The research is part of the broader WaterSmart Farms program, established in 2021, to conduct research on water supply options for Wheatbelt agribusinesses and communities.
Applications close 30 April 2026, with more information available at the DPIRD website .
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Groundwater exploration and desalination technologies give farmers the ability to draw on additional water supplies when needed in dry seasons and support value-add opportunities for livestock or cropping enterprises.
"Supporting further exploration in this area through these grants will continue to build scientific understanding to support our farmers to make informed decisions and build confidence in our drying climate.
"The WaterSmart Farms program is a great initiative, and another example of how the Cook Government is supporting ways to secure our water future."
