Water Minister Dave Kelly has today declared a water deficiency in the Hollands Rock area in the Shire of Kent, and announced the State Government will begin carting water tomorrow (June 5) for emergency water supplies for animal welfare needs.
The official declaration follows an application from the Shire on behalf of seven farmers in the Hollands Rock area. A declaration is made as a last resort after continued dry conditions due to climate change have depleted on-farm and State Government managed community water supplies.
The declaration will see the State Government cart an estimated 350,000 litres of water each week from the Water Corporation's scheme at Newdegate and the old Lake King town dam. Water will be delivered to the Hollands Rock tank on Hollands Rock Road, reducing the distance farmers need to travel to source emergency livestock water. Water carting will commence tomorrow.
Water carting arrangements are being managed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Water Corporation.
This is the third water deficiency to be declared in Western Australia this year, as dry conditions continue in the south-west of the State due to climate change. Water deficiencies have also been declared in the shires of Ravensthorpe and Lake Grace.
DWER is liaising with local government authorities and farmers in other dryland areas to monitor their on-farm water storage and water requirements, and encourages Community Water Supply Program grant applications in areas of need.
As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:
"The McGowan Government is taking action to support farmers in areas that have been adversely affected by low rainfall due to climate change.
"Ensuring the welfare of animals in the affected areas is a priority and that is why we will start carting water to Hollands Rock tomorrow.
"This will assist farmers by significantly reducing the distance that they need to travel to access emergency livestock water supplies.
"As climate change continues to impact the south-west of WA, the State Government is working closely with local governments and farmers to bring online new water sources and maintain access to existing supplies."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"It has been a tough start to the season and we are taking every step to help our farmers.
"The top priority is to ensure the welfare of livestock in low rainfall areas, and these water deficiency declarations will help farmers to access emergency livestock water supplies.
"We are continuing to closely monitor seasonal conditions and offering support where needed."
