The McGowan Government is providing $600,000 to assist horticulture growers in the North Wanneroo district to improve sustainable production, water efficiency and business profitability.
The State's new North Wanneroo Water Use Efficiency Grants Scheme opens today, delivering on an important election commitment to support Wanneroo growers to adapt to climate change.
Three streams of grants are available for growers to invest in infrastructure, strategies and solutions that modernise operations and increase business margins.
Up to $5000 is available to engage irrigation professionals to audit and design efficient irrigation systems and provide advice on suitable technology, soil amendment and cropping strategies.
Growers can also apply for up to $30,000 to cover up to half the cost of installing technology or infrastructure that increases water use efficiency, including system design, irrigation components, soil and crop sensor technology and permanent protected cropping facilities, such as glasshouses or shade houses.
Grants to a maximum of $20,000 can also be accessed to cover up to half the cost of soil amelioration, like treating paddocks with clay or clay-compost soil amendments to improve soil water holding capacity and increase ability to farm under a biological system.
The scheme is open to eligible horticulture businesses in the North Wanneroo district, which includes Carabooda, Nowergup and Neerabup.
For more information and to apply visit https://agric.wa.gov.au/wanneroo-water-grants
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Growers in the Wanneroo District make a big contribution to our State's fresh produce, supplying seasonal tomatoes, strawberries, melons, leafy greens, capsicums, beans, corn and mangoes.
"The North Wanneroo Water Use Efficiency Grants Scheme provides a practical measure to help growers transform their operations and invest in building more resilient, efficient and productive businesses for the future.
"We encourage growers to examine how these infrastructure and business grants can help to fortify their businesses so they remain productive and viable for future generations."
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"Our Government has been liaising closely with growers, the City of Wanneroo and other stakeholders through the North Wanneroo Agriculture and Water Taskforce to address issues facing irrigated agriculture in the area and to work through solutions.
"Improving water use efficiency has become increasingly important in the face of climate change, with hotter and drier weather resulting in significantly less rainfall and recharge into North Wanneroo's groundwater.
"These Water Use Efficiency Grants will ensure appropriate protection of this valuable resource and future viability for horticulture growers."
As stated by Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:
"Wanneroo is a significant food bowl for Perth, producing nearly 40 per cent of the State's fruit and vegetables.
"It is important to continue to support and back our growers here in Wanneroo and I am proud of this significant investment to support our local producers.
"Our growers are an important part of our local community, and as our climate continues to dry, they need our support."
