The McGowan Government has injected an additional $1 million into a program helping commercial horticulture and viticulture growers to upgrade their irrigation and water farming systems, to support improved water efficiency and climate resilience.
The program has been expanded from North Wanneroo to the Swan Valley, and locations in the area covered by the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan.
The Gnangara Horticulture Water Use Efficiency Grants Program is supporting growers' transition to more sustainable farming systems, to protect our valuable groundwater resources.
The initiative will assist growers to adjust to a 10 per cent groundwater abstraction reduction from 2028 under the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan.
The program's two funding streams have also been increased for growers adopting infrastructure, strategies, and solutions to improve irrigation systems, enhancing production and profitability.
Growers can apply for matching grants of up to $50,000 to invest in water use efficiency infrastructure, including:
- system design;
- irrigation components;
- soil and crop sensor technology; and
- permanent protected cropping facilities, such as glasshouses or shadehouses.
Grants of up to $30,000 are available for soil amelioration and to treat paddocks with clay or clay-compost, to improve water holding capacity and farm biological systems.
Vouchers to the value of $5,000 are on offer for professional advice on developing efficient irrigation systems, adopting suitable technology, soil amendments, and cropping strategies, as well as developing soil amelioration plans and options to improve soil health.
For more information or to apply for the Gnangara Horticulture Water Use Efficiency Grants Program, visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/horticulture-water-use-efficiency-grants
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The extension of this important program recognises the need for efficient irrigation for businesses that rely on the Gnangara groundwater system, as well as the importance of protecting this valuable resource for the Perth community.
"WA has a drying climate, and it needs to get the best technology and farming systems to improve our soils and protect our crucial groundwater resources and farm productivity."
"It's a great chance for growers in the area to get help to improve their operations and build more resilient, sustainable, and profitable businesses."
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"The impacts of climate change have had a significant effect on Perth's precious groundwater resources, which provide up to 70 per cent of all water used across the Perth and Mandurah area.
"The Gnangara Horticulture Water Use Efficiency Grants Program will assist the horticulture sector with the transition to reduced groundwater use under the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan, and the provision of fresh produce and employment opportunities near Perth.
"The expanded program will also support growers to improve the design of water systems, implement soil and crop sensor technology, and soil amendments to increase soil moisture holding capacity."
