Regional and remote communities across Western Australia are set to benefit from nearly $1 million in new water infrastructure funding, as the Albanese and Cook governments partner on the latest round of the Community Water Supplies Partnership program.
Administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, the program provides grants of up to $100,000 for off-farm community water supply projects. Fourteen recipients will share in the latest allocation, backed by an additional $499,144 in co-funding from local governments and regional groups.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the funding would support long-term resilience.
“This program continues to help regional communities improve access to safe and reliable water,” Watt said. “Water security is essential for regional liveability and economic growth.”
How the grants will improve local water resilience
The program supports practical upgrades that help local governments manage water supplies in increasingly variable climate conditions. In Jerramungup, a $100,000 grant will fund the purchase of a new water cart to replenish emergency supplies and assist with roadworks during dry periods.
A further $100,000 has been awarded to the Wheatbelt East Regional Organisation of Councils to develop long-term water strategies across seven member shires, helping guide strategic investment and strengthen drought preparedness in the region.
WA Water Minister Don Punch said the projects reflect strong locally driven planning.
“These grants show what’s possible when governments partner with regional councils,” Punch said. “The co-funding commitment demonstrates real community support for strengthening water infrastructure.”
Where projects will make the greatest impact
The funding will support works ranging from stormwater harvesting and upgraded standpipes to new tanks, SCADA improvements, water carts and emergency storage for firefighting. Councils across Albany, Bruce Rock, Gnowangerup, Jerramungup, Kellerberrin, Mingenew, Morawa, Narembeen, Northam, Ravensthorpe, Wagin and West Arthur are among the successful applicants.
The Community Water Supplies Partnership is supported under the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative as part of the National Water Grid Fund.
With climate change intensifying pressures on groundwater and surface supplies, the grants will help regional communities develop more reliable, flexible and locally managed water systems.