- Cook Government investing $16 million to improve water security for horticultural growers in the region
- New doppler radar radar was a key proposal arising from the State Government's Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group
The Cook Government has welcomed the $4.29 million commitment from the Commonwealth Government to install a new doppler radar in the Manjimup-Pemberton region.
The State Government is investing $16 million to improve water security for horticultural growers in the region, including its own $4 million funding allocation for the doppler project.
Manjimup-Pemberton is a major horticultural production area for Western Australia, contributing around $450 million annually to the WA economy.
The region produces 67 per cent of the State's avocados, kiwi fruit and processing potatoes, 61 per cent of the State's apples, and 35 per cent of the seed potatoes.
The new doppler radar will provide growers with more detailed and timely data on rainfall intensity, and wind speed and direction, enabling them to make more informed production decisions to assist their operations.
The radar station will also support improved emergency services monitoring and delivery, which will have benefits for communities throughout the region.
Doppler radar information will be updated every six minutes on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Bureau of Meteorology websites, making it easily accessible to the wider community.
Work will now commence to determine the best site for the doppler radar, and the final technical and design specifications.
The doppler radar was a key proposal arising from the State Government's Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group, which worked closely with the community on options to boost water security in this region.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"This doppler radar is a significant step towards providing a practical solution for Manjimup-Pemberton horticultural growers to help them address water security issues.
"The project will not only provide benefits to local growers but also regional businesses, residents and emergency services providers who will also have access to timely and useful rainfall and wind information.
"The Cook Government is continuing to deliver on recommendations from the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group Report, including other initiatives like the $10 million Southern Forest Infrastructure Support Scheme to deliver long-term sustainable water management solutions for the region."
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Manjimup-Pemberton region is the fruit bowl of southern WA. The doppler radar is utilising the most up-to-date technology to give growers accurate and timely weather information, ensuring they can make decisions that will benefit their business.
"The impacts of climate change mean it's more important than ever to support initiatives that will boost water security in our communities.
"We have listened to concerns from the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group and their proposal for a doppler radar and I'm pleased that the Cook and Albanese Governments are delivering this important technology to the region."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The Commonwealth's announcement of the installation of a doppler radar in Warren-Blackwood will be welcome news to local growers.
"The Cook Government's ongoing commitment towards securing sustainable water resources for the horticultural industry in the Manjimup and Pemberton area is a win for our community.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee on water planning for the catchment."
