- Five southern Wheatbelt shires to share in $300,000 to boost water security and drought preparedness
- Regional Drought Resilience Planningprogram funding to install community water tanks, improve drainage and water storage capacity
- Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and Cook Government investments helping WA regional communities build drought and climate resilience
Communities in Western Australia's southern Wheatbelt are set to benefit from funding for new initiatives that strengthen water security and support long-term drought preparedness.
Five shires will share in $300,000 from the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments, through the Future Drought Fund and Royalties for Regions.
These investments will help reduce reliance on scheme water, improve emergency water supplies for firefighting and provide sustainable water sources to support agriculture, local industries and communities.
The funding recipients include:
- Shire of Dumbleyung: $60,000 for the Dumbleyung Townsite Water Drainage Reinstatement project to improve water capture, flow and retention;
- Shire of Kulin: $60,000 towards the Pingaring Drought Resilience project to install a 360,000 litre rainwater harvesting tank and standpipe;
- Shire of Kondinin: $60,000 for new storage tanks for the Bendering Community Water Supply to boost stock and emergency water availability;
- Shire of Lake Grace: $60,000 for two 250 kilolitre steel tanks at Newdegate and Lake King to support firefighting and community water supplies; and
- Shire of Wagin: $60,000 to implement three Water Security Strategy initiatives, including preparatory works for a town desalination system, expansion of the Vernon Street Weir and upgrades to water harvesting sites
RDRP program funding has already hit the ground, with $900,000 distributed in the Wheatbelt, Great Southern and Mid West to communities to implement drought resilience solutions and adapt to a changing climate.
The projects were identified as part of Regional Drought Resilience Plans developed by the Wheatbelt Development Commission, with six plans already developed for WA communities between Kimberley and the Great Southern, and more in the pipeline.
For more information about the RDRP program and to see published resilience plans from around Australia, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/regional-drought-resilience-planning .
For more information on the WA RDRP program, visit: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/regional-communities/major-projects/future-drought-fund .
Quotes As put by Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins MP:
"The Future Drought Fund is all tiers of government working together to help regional communities manage drought and climate resilience.
"At our recent National Drought Forum, including in discussions I had with Minister Jarvis, the importance of having locally-led solutions was loud and clear.
"That's the flexibility Future Drought Fund provides - it can adapt to each region as required, as we can see from the projects happening across the Wheatbelt.
"As the climate changes, water security is more vital than ever, which is why we're working with regional communities to improve their water security infrastructure."
Quotes As put by WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program is a great example of how government collaboration at all levels can deliver tangible benefits to regional communities.
"Regional Drought Resilience Plans continue to be rolled out across the State, as local communities develop local solutions to overcome local issues.
"Together with the WA Government's cross-agency work, we are working hard to build climate resilient regional communities."
Quotes As put by WA Wheatbelt Minister Sabine Winton:
"Southern Wheatbelt residents understand how deeply water shapes daily life. When the seasons turn dry, the effects are felt across every part of the community.
"Agriculture is at the heart of the region's economy, so reliable water is vital to keep farms productive, support local jobs and sustain strong towns.
"Investing in local solutions gives people confidence in their future. It helps keep towns vibrant, businesses resilient and communities connected."
Quotes As put by Federal Senator Dorinda Cox:
"Communities across the Wheatbelt know that drought preparedness isn't just about the next dry season, it's about planning for the decades ahead.
"These projects are practical, community-driven initiatives that strengthen local water security and ensure towns across the Wheatbelt are better prepared for the challenges of a changing climate.
"Building climate resilience takes every level of government working together with local communities and that's exactly what this program delivers."
