- Thirteen local governments and the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils to share in nearly $1 million through the Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program
- Projects will enhance critical water infrastructure in regional and remote communities
- Jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook governments
Rural and remote communities across Western Australia's Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Mid West, and Goldfields-Esperance regions will benefit from new funding from the Albanese and Cook governments to support vital water infrastructure projects.
The Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program, delivered by the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, provides up to $100,000 per project to develop off-farm community water supplies.
The 14 grants aim to support rural and remote communities to build climate resilience through improved water infrastructure.
Among the successful projects funded in this round, the Shire of Jerramungup will receive $100,000 to purchase a new water cart, helping replenish emergency water supplies and support roadworks across the region, particularly during periods of low rainfall when on-farm water sources are depleted.
A further $100,000 has been awarded to the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils to develop long-term water strategies for seven member shires - Bruce Rock, Cunderdin, Kellerberrin, Tammin, Westonia, Merredin, and Yilgarn, supporting more strategic investment in water infrastructure and improving drought resilience across the Wheatbelt.
Project recipients are also contributing a combined $499,144 in co-funding, demonstrating strong local commitment to improving water resilience and infrastructure across regional Western Australia.
The CWSP program is supported by the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) initiative under the Albanese 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 Commonwealth and State governments.
As stated by the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is proud to again partner with the Cook Government to invest in vital water infrastructure that supports regional communities through improved access to water.
"Water security is crucial for communities to survive and thrive. I'm pleased to see our WISER initiative continue to help provide safe and reliable water to regional and remote communities in Western Australia."
Quotes As put by Western Australian Water Minister Don Punch:
"The Community Water Supplies Partnership is a great example of governments working together to support local decision-making. These grants help councils invest in the infrastructure they need to manage their water supplies.
"I commend the efforts of local governments and the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils in strengthening climate resilience. Their joint investment of nearly half a million dollars reflects strong community backing for these projects."
Full list of approved projects:
- City of Albany - $15,314 for a 110,000-litre water tank at Napier Community Hall and Fire Station to support the Napier Volunteer Bush Fire Brigade and farming community;
- Shire of Bruce Rock - $78,459 to desilt a Turkey Nest Dam, improving water storage for oval irrigation and emergency use;
- Shire of Gnowangerup - $22,637 for a solar-powered standpipe controller at the aerodrome to manage water access and reduce unauthorised use;
- Shire of Jerramungup - $100,000 for a semi water cart to replenish emergency water supplies and support roadworks;
- Shire of Kellerberrin - $98,419 to upgrade a concrete channel drain, improving water flow and reducing flood risk;
- Shire of Mingenew - $87,500 for a water cart to service public spaces, fire brigades, farmers, and Indigenous groups;
- Shire of Morawa - $38,943 for a 197,000-litre tank and solar pump to improve dam water quality and emergency access;
- Shire of Narembeen - $98,307 for a stormwater harvesting pipeline to enhance irrigation and drought resilience;
- Shire of Northam - $70,487 to upgrade Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems for treated effluent reuse, reducing reliance on scheme water and environmental discharge;
- Shire of Ravensthorpe - $100,000 for a new water tanker to support firefighting and aerial water bombing operations;
- Shire of Wagin - $43,555 for two emergency water tanks to support firefighting and public amenities, including Woolorama event infrastructure;
- Shire of West Arthur - $59,338 to install swipe card standpipe controllers for secure water access and monitoring;
- Shire of West Arthur - $26,027 for rainwater tanks at three shire buildings to reduce reliance on scheme water and support irrigation; and
- Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils - $100,000 to develop water strategies for seven member shires, supporting long-term water sustainability across the Wheatbelt.
For more information, visit wa.gov.au
