- The Shire of Esperance will receive $99,554 through the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program
- Over $3.2 million in funding has been provided to local governments in dryland agricultural areas to boost their local community water supplies
- New project will support climate resilience and help minimise waste
The Shire of Esperance will receive $99,554 in funding under the State Government's Community Water Supplies Partnership Program.
The innovative project will line two farm-scale water catchments with repurposed tarpaulins sourced from grain handler CBH Group to help increase run-off into dams. It is estimated that the catchments will have a run-off efficiency of 98 per cent and be able to capture more than three megalitres per year of water at each site.
By repurposing used tarpaulins, the project supports waste minimisation in regional areas, and can result in lower project costs.
This additional water collected will be available for community purposes, including emergency use for livestock, firefighting and crop spraying operations.
The South East Premium Wheat Growers Association, landholders and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are committing a further $59,876 to support the project.
The Community Water Supplies 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.
A total of $3.2 million has been committed over a four-year period through a collaboration between the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments.
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:
"This program provides regional communities with the resources to future-proof their water security.
"This particular project represents a great opportunity for the community to learn about innovative strategies that are proven to increase water supplies.
"I would like to congratulate the Shire of Esperance and look forward to seeing the positive water outcomes for the community."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"With the impacts of climate change becoming more evident, it is now more important than ever for regional communities to ensure water security into the future.
"This funding will provide significant assistance to the South East Premium Wheat Growers Association, to increase knowledge of alternative systems of water availability for the agricultural community.
"This work complements the McGowan Government's WaterSmart Farms program, which encourages on-farm initiatives that build climate resilience.
"I would like to thank our farmers for getting involved in these initiatives, to help drive on-farm sustainability of our natural resources in Western Australia."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:
"Congratulations to the Shire of Esperance for taking these important steps to improve water management in our community.
"It is also great to see such innovative use of the tarpaulins in their repurposing for such an important use."
