- City of Albany awarded $100,000 to boost water supply for local community
- A 93 kilolitre tank will be installed at Foundation Park for water storage and to meet the peak demand of 25.6 kilolitres per day
- More than $3.6 million has been provided to 31 local governments in dryland agricultural areas to boost their local community water supplies
The Cook Government has awarded the City of Albany $100,000 to help future-proof its water supply as part of the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program.
The City will install a 93 kilolitre tank at Foundation Park, which will be used for water storage and to meet peak demand of 25.6 kilolitres per day. It is estimated this will equate to 7,400 kilolitres each year being available through utilisation of storm water runoff.
Foundation Park currently relies on scheme water for irrigation, with more than 12,000 square metres of turf to irrigate and an annual demand of 5,422 kilolitres. Reducing the need for scheme water will reduce the need to utilise drinking water for non-potable needs.
The $100,000 grant will assist with meeting costs associated with the tank and associated pump and pipe works, with the City contributing an additional $139,615 to the project.
The Community Water Supplies Partnership Program provides financial support to allow rural communities to adapt to changing rainfall patterns by establishing infrastructure that maximises the efficient use of available water resources.
There are 48 projects underway across 31 local governments totalling over $3.6 million through the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program - a collaboration between the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments.
The Community Water Supplies Partnership Program provides financial support to allow rural communities to adapt to changing rainfall patterns by establishing infrastructure that maximises the efficient use of available water resources.
Up to $100,000 is available per project for local government and communities to develop off-farm community water supply. Applicants must contribute 30 per cent of the total project value as a cash or in-kind contribution.
For more information on the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program, please visit:https://www.wa.gov.au/service/building-utilities-and-essential-services/water-supply/community-water-supply-program
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"Congratulations to the City of Albany in securing this funding for their project, which will strengthen local water security and further develop fit-for-purpose water supplies which in our drying climate, has never been more important.
"In addition to helping to save water, these community water supply projects provide many benefits for residents, including making public spaces better places for sport and recreation.
"These projects empower local governments to develop practical water-saving projects that will serve their communities well for many years to come."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"I congratulate the City of Albany for its important work in boosting Albany's non potable water supply and saving our precious scheme water.
"This will reduce the need to use drinking water for irrigation at Foundation Park, and ensure it remains a place families can enjoy all year round.
"The Community Water Supplies Partnership Program is a great initiative supporting our rural communities to harvest water and use it to increase water supply and security."
