- More than $480,000 in new grants awarded to seven local governments through the Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program
- Projects will improve water resilience and reduce reliance on scheme water in the face of changing rainfall patterns
- Jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, with Australian Government funding provided through the National Water Grid Fund
Seven regional local governments will share in more than $480,000 in funding through the latest round of the Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program, which helps rural communities build climate resilience by improving local water infrastructure.
The program, delivered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's Rural Water Planning team, provides up to $100,000 per project to develop off-farm community water supplies, with applicants providing a 30 per cent co-contribution.
This round of funding supports projects across Albany, Carnarvon, Kondinin (two projects), Menzies, Perenjori and Plantagenet, including the installation of water tanks, pumps, pipelines, bores and dam upgrades. These initiatives will reduce reliance on scheme water, support emergency services, and help irrigate green spaces and sporting precincts.
The CWSP program is supported by the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund.
A combined $5.6 million has been committed to the CWSP program from 2024-25 to 2026-27 by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The streamlined approval process for CWSP projects ensures quicker access to funding for projects under $100,000, allowing communities to respond faster to local needs.
Approved projects:
- City of Albany - $73,302 for two 250-kilolitre water tanks to support firefighting and irrigation at the Mercer Road depot;
- Shire of Carnarvon - $100,000 to connect an artesian water source to irrigate key green spaces;
- Shire of Kondinin (Stage 1) - $63,476 for new pipelines to enable a continuous pipeline from the CBH town site to the town's dams;
- Shire of Kondinin (Stage 2) - $68,202 for a pump, tank and generator to further enhance water storage and supply;
- Shire of Menzies - $79,800 to re-line a town dam and install tanks to support firefighting and greening initiatives;
- Shire of Perenjori - $57,600 to drill a new bore and install tanks and solar-powered pumps; and
- Shire of Plantagenet - $38,709 for a rainwater harvesting system at the Rocky Gully Bush Fire Brigade.
For more information, visit wa.gov.au
As put by the Acting Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tim Ayres:
"The Albanese Government is delivering infrastructure projects to communities who need better access to water.
"We're very pleased to partner with the Cook Government along with local councils and industries to ensure we are making real, on-the-ground improvements for the people of WA."
As put by WA Water Minister Don Punch:
"These community-driven projects show how we can build water resilience from the ground up, using practical infrastructure that supports local needs.
"Whether it's firefighting, irrigating public spaces, or reducing pressure on scheme water, these investments are all about helping our regions adapt to a changing climate.
"The CWSP program is a great example of the Western Australian and Australian governments working together to deliver smart, effective solutions for regional Western Australia.
"I commend the local governments and communities involved for their leadership in planning and delivering these vital projects."
