- $12.4 million invested to optimise draw from Millstream aquifer and promote long-term sustainability
- Balances the importance of groundwater to growing communities and Traditional Owners
- Securing Pilbara's water future supports Cook Government's commitment to protecting the environment for future generations
The Cook Government is investing $12.4 million to support the long-term sustainability of groundwater from the Millstream aquifer, helping to secure the Pilbara's water future.
Work will be undertaken by Water Corporation under a new partnership agreement with Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, and in collaboration with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, to relocate or recommission groundwater bores to reduce pressure on the vital water source.
This will help optimise usage across the aquifer while lessening the effects to culturally and ecologically significant sites within the Millstream Chichester National Park.
Other work will include fitting bores with solar-powered battery systems with diesel backup to reduce noise interference at sites.
The Yindjibarndi people hold a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the Millstream aquifer, which has been affected by reduced rainfall and recharge.
Harding Dam - the region's primary drinking water source - is currently 20 per cent full, with just eight billion litres of streamflow recorded last financial year, which was 90 per cent below long-term averages.
It has increased reliance on groundwater to supply essential drinking water to Karratha, Wickham, Dampier, Roebourne, and Point Samson.
Recognising the effects of reduced groundwater recharge, in 2022 the State Government lowered abstraction limits from Millstream aquifer from 15 billion litres annually to six billion litres, with a temporary three billion-litre contingency.
As part of its commitment to secure water future in a drying climate, the Cook Government is progressing investigations into larger-scale supply options to meet the region's long-term drinking water needs, support community growth, and enable economic development.
As stated by Water, Climate Resilience and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"The Cook Government is committed to securing the Pilbara's long-term water future and for communities across the State. This investment will support improved management of water abstraction from the Millstream aquifer.
"It will also ensure that water is abstracted in a way that respects the cultural and environmental significance of the aquifer to the Yindjibarndi people.
"This collaboration between Water Corporation, the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation, and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation reflects our shared commitment to protecting the Millstream aquifer, while supporting the growing region and economic development."
As stated by Pilbara Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The Pilbara is powering our economy and attracting more people every year, which means water demand is increasing for homes and industry.
"Finding sustainable solutions to water management, in collaboration with Traditional Owners, is vital to securing the Pilbara's industrial future and ensuring it remains an attractive region to live and raise a family.
"The Cook Government is committed to delivering these outcomes for the benefit of the Pilbara."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Millstream is part of the Pilbara's identity. It's a place of deep cultural meaning for the Yindjibarndi people and an important natural system. I'm proud to see the respect for those values reflected in this funding commitment by the Cook Government.
"This investment will help us better understand and manage water demand responsibly, supporting communities and jobs without compromising the environment."
