- Five new projects awarded funding to enhance water access for firefighting and irrigation, to strengthen community and climate resilience
- $343,239 has been committed for water security projects in Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Busselton
- Community Water Supplies Partnership program - Expansion has delivered $570,000 in funding for vital water security projects in our South West communities
The Cook Government has announced the successful applicants for the latest round of the Community Water Supplies Partnership program - Expansion, awarding a total of $343,239 to five projects aimed at improving water security and resilience in regional Western Australia.
The projects are funded under the State Government's $1.5 million expansion of the Community Water Supplies Partnership program, which includes 12 additional local government authorities in the South West and Great Southern.
In this latest round of funding, the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes and the City of Busselton have been selected for their innovative projects to increase water availability for firefighting, reduce pressure on scheme water, and improve non-potable water networks.
These projects will support local firefighting efforts, enhance public open spaces, and ensure better water management for emergency needs.
The Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes will receive $33,409 to install three 100-kilolitre rainwater tanks at fire stations, significantly boosting water access for local volunteer firefighters during emergencies.
The City of Busselton will be awarded $47,830 to install 37 water tank level sensors across emergency water tanks, enabling real-time monitoring, early leak detection, and automated alerts to better manage water resources.
Additionally, the City of Busselton will be granted $262,000 for three projects to expand the Dunsborough Non-Potable Water Network. This expansion will enhance water access for emergency services and support irrigation for public open spaces, reducing the community's reliance on scheme water.
These funded projects reflect the State Government's commitment to supporting resilient water infrastructure and ensuring the safety and sustainability of regional communities.
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"Our Government is committed to supporting projects that deliver sustainable water solutions that benefit the whole community - whether it be for emergency or recreational needs.
"This funding ensures our regions have the infrastructure needed to improve water management, particularly in times of fire and drought.
"The collaboration between local governments and the State Government highlights the importance of shared efforts in securing long-term water access for all Western Australians.
"The Community Water Supplies Partnership program plays a crucial role in addressing both immediate and longer term water needs as we face the challenges associated with climate change, helping to make our communities more resilient."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"In our drying climate, it's vital that we do everything we can to boost our water security - and that's why our Government's expansion of the Community Water Supplies Partnership program to the South West is so important.
"These water security projects will boost access to water for volunteer firefighters, improve public open spaces and reduce pressure on scheme water - initiatives the whole community will benefit from."
