- Three regional shires to receive $338,298 in funding through the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program
- Over $800,000 in new funding for regional projects that improve local water supplies and assist communities with managing the impacts of climate change
The Wheatbelt shires of Brookton, Kondinin and Merredin will receive a total of $338,298 in funding under the fourth round of the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program.
The program provides regional communities in dryland agricultural areas with funding to improve their non-potable water supplies. A total of $3.2 million has been committed over four years through a collaboration between the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments.
Up to $100,000 can be provided for each off-farm community water supply project, developed by local government or community groups. Applicants must contribute 30 per cent of the total project value as a cash or in-kind contribution.
The Shire of Brookton will receive $147,967 through two grants which will help to fund complementary projects to extend non-potable bore water supply to several locations in the town of Brookton. This will eliminate reliance on scheme water for irrigation and result in annual cost-savings of $49,515.
The Shire of Kondinin will receive $90,331 for a project to improve the access, storage and supply of key community water supplies. The project will provide greater water security in the Shire and increase the ability to maintain green recreational spaces and boost the emergency water supply network for farmers and firefighting.
The Shire of Merredin will receive $100,000 to upgrade the Merredin Recycled Water Network, allowing for increased use of treated wastewater from the Water Corporation's Merredin wastewater treatment plant for irrigation.
The project will upgrade the distribution pump system, install self-cleaning filters, renew the existing pipeline, and install additional pipework to connect to the Merredin Recreational Oval. The use of wastewater for irrigation will save approximately 190 kilolitres of high-quality harvested stormwater per day.
For more information on the Community Water Supplies Partnership Program, please visit www.wa.gov.au/service/building-utilities-and-essential-services/water-supply/community-water-supply-program
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Community Water Supplies Partnership Program provides much-needed water security in our regional towns.
"The funding for Brookton, Kondinin and Merredin will significantly assist local governments to increase water availability for their local communities.
"I congratulate these shires for taking the initiative to develop projects that will allow them to adapt to the effects of climate change."
