- Seven local governments to share in more than $630,000 through the Community Water Supplies Partnership program
- Projects will improve water security, emergency firefighting capacity, and climate resilience across regional Western Australia
- Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments - Australian Government funding is provided through the National Water Grid Fund
Rural and remote communities across Western Australia will benefit from the latest round of funding from the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments to support vital water infrastructure projects.
Seven local governments in the Wheatbelt, Mid West, and Goldfields regions will share in more than $630,000 through Round 5 of the Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program, administered by the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The grant program helps regional communities adapt to changing rainfall patterns and develop secure offfarm community water supplies.
Funded projects in this round include upgrades to water storage, improved stormwater harvesting, new bores and pumping systems, and expanded irrigation networks that reduce reliance on treated water.
Several projects will also strengthen emergency water availability for firefighting and community resilience during dry periods.
Successful projects in Round 5:
- Shire of Chittering - $134,850 to install a new bore, submersible pump, electrical controls, a 100 kilolitre (kL) emergency firefighting tank, a 10kL tank for amenities and irrigation, pipe relaying, a pump shed and irrigation upgrades at Sandown Park to improve water security and support emergency response;
- Shire of Dalwallinu - $20,682 to undertake surveying, geotechnical investigations, and civil design for a new stormwater storage dam to increase capacity, improve emergency farm water supply, and reduce reliance on scheme water;
- Shire of Dandaragan - $100,000 for Stage 5 of the Jurien Bay Irrigation Project, including two 275,000 litre storage tanks, 600 metres of pipework, a new distribution pump and power upgrades to support irrigation and firefighting water availability;
- Shire of Dumbleyung - $100,000 to install two 309kL storage tanks, a solar pump and upgraded above ground pipework to enhance water harvesting efficiency, reduce evaporation, and replace ageing infrastructure;
- Shire of Tammin - $116,200 to construct a 12-hectare roaded catchment to increase water flow into the townsite dam, reduce scheme water use, and improve irrigation supply for community ovals;
- Shire of Wongan-Ballidu - $100,000 to deliver Phase 3 of the Effective Water Management Project, integrating real-time monitoring, automation, motorised valves, a flow meter, and system controls across dam storage and irrigation assets; and
- Shire of Yilgarn - $59,724 to undertake a stormwater drainage assessment and detailed design to improve stormwater capture into the Southern Cross town dam and reduce reliance on scheme water.
As part of CWSP program's funding arrangements, local governments have also committed an additional $327,000 in cash or in-kind support to Round 5 projects, demonstrating strong local commitment to improving longterm water security.
The CWSP program is supported by the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative through the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund.
A total of $5.6 million has been committed to the CWSP program from 2024-25 to 2026-27 by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments.
As stated by the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is proud to work alongside the Cook Labor Government to strengthen regional water security here in WA. This latest round of funding will help communities improve access to reliable water supplies and build resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
"Reliable access to non-potable water is essential for regional towns, whether it is used to irrigate public spaces, support farming activity, or provide emergency firefighting capacity. These projects will give local governments the tools they need to better manage their water resources and reduce pressure on scheme water.
"It's great to see strong co-funding from local governments, which reinforces our shared commitment to securing long term water solutions for regional and remote communities across the State."
As stated by Western Australian Water Minister Don Punch:
"Regional communities rely on secure and reliable water supplies to support local services, community facilities, and emergency response. This latest round of funding will help councils strengthen critical water infrastructure while reducing reliance on precious scheme water.
"These projects deliver practical improvements such as new water storage, enhanced stormwater capture, and upgraded pumping systems. They will make a tangible difference to the resilience of regional towns, ensuring water is available where and when it is needed most.
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to continue working in partnership with the Albanese Government to support initiatives that boost water security and help communities adapt to changing rainfall patterns."
