- Five local governments awarded more than $380,000 for new community water projects under the Community Water Supplies Partnership program
- Funding will support regional water infrastructure upgrades for firefighting, drought resilience, and sustainable irrigation
- The Community Water Supplies Partnership program has delivered 83 projects and supported by $5.5 million in funding from State and Commonwealth Governments since 2021
The Cook and Albanese Labor Governments are funding six new water infrastructure projects across five local governments to help regional communities adapt to changing climate conditions.
The new Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) projects worth $387,788 are being delivered through a $5.6 million Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions (WISER) package, jointly funded by the Western Australian and Commonwealth Government.
The CWSP projects will enable rural communities to adapt to changing climate conditions by establishing reliable water infrastructure, reducing reliance on scheme water, and supporting emergency water needs.
Funded projects include rainwater tanks for firefighting, upgrades to irrigation systems, and dam reinforcements to prevent erosion and leaks. Approved projects include:
- City of Albany: $16,318 for a new 110,000-litre water tank to benefit the Manypeaks Cricket Club's irrigation and the Volunteer Bushfire Brigade;
- Shire of Boyup Brook: $65,586 for the installation of three 88,000-litre water tanks for fire emergency water at Mayanup, Kulikup and Tonebridge, and $86,219 for three 247,874-litre water tanks for emergency water and irrigation at Flax Mill Caravan Park precinct;
- Shire of Cunderdin: $53,585 for two 150,000-litre water tanks for firefighting operations at Cunderdin Airfield;
- Shire of Gnowangerup: $86,980 for the reconstruction of the Borden Water Catchment to improve water storage efficiency; and
- Shire of Moora: $79,100 for the reinforcement of the dam walls of a recycled water dam, to ensure a continued irrigation supply for the town's green spaces.
The CWSP provides up to $100,000 per project for local government and community groups to develop off-farm community water supplies. A 30 per cent cash or in-kind co-contribution is provided by the applicants.
The projects delivered by the CWSP program helps address changing rainfall patterns due to climate change and boosts water security to support rural communities into the future.
As stated by Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"This funding underscores our commitment to helping regional communities build water resilience in the face of climate challenges.
"By providing sustainable water solutions, we're safeguarding vital water resources for firefighting, drought resilience, and the community while reducing dependence on scheme water.
"These important funding investments are not just about water - they are about securing the future of regional WA communities."
As stated by Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh:
"Supporting these new community water projects will help to safeguard water resources that communities, industries, and environments rely on.
"That's why the Albanese Government is partnering with the Cook Government to invest in water projects that will help us to adapt to changing climate conditions and that seek to future proof the water supply for the next generation.
"Improving water security in Western Australia is a win for towns and communities, industry, and the environment."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Darren West:
"This new water infrastructure will benefit our entire community, and it represents a step forward in strengthening our resilience.
"This funding by the Cook and Albanese Governments is so important for small communities, which are often on the frontline when it comes to managing the impacts of climate change."
As stated by Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens:
"Investing in reliable water sources ensures that our region can meet challenges like droughts and bushfires head-on.
"This round of projects is expected to drive water efficiency and resilience across Western Australia in the coming years."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"This funding is a game changer for our community.
"Safeguarding our water supplies so we're better equipped to respond to bushfire emergencies is absolutely critical as we adapt to changing climate conditions."
