The Australian and Western Australian 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 Governments.
“This funding underscores our commitment to helping regional communities build water resilience in the face of climate challenges,” said Water Minister Simone McGurk. “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.”
The CWSP initiatives will help rural communities adjust to shifting climate conditions by developing dependable water infrastructure, decreasing dependency on scheme water, and addressing emergency water requirements. Funded initiatives include rainwater tanks for firefighting, enhancements to irrigation systems, and dam upgrades to mitigate erosion and leaks. Approved initiatives 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 to reinforce the 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 to develop off-farm community water supplies for local governments and community groups. The applicants provide a 30 per cent cash or in-kind co-contribution.
The projects delivered by the CWSP program help address changing rainfall patterns due to climate change and boost water security to support rural communities in the future.
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