Water security and long-term drought preparedness in southern Western Australia, with five shires in the Wheatbelt securing $300,000 from the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) from both State and Federal governments
The State Government said that the aim of the projects is reduce reliance on scheme water, improve emergency water supplies for firefighting and provide sustainable water sources for agriculture and local industries and communities.
- Shire of Dumbleyung: $60,000 for the Dumbleyung Townsite Water Drainage Reinstatement project to improve water capture, flow and retention;
- Shire of Kulin: $60,000 towards the Pingaring Drought Resilience project to install a 360,000L rainwater harvesting tank and standpipe;
- Shire of Kondinin: $60,000 for new storage tanks for the Bendering Community Water Supply to boost stock and emergency water availability;
- Shire of Lake Grace: $60,000 for two 250kL steel tanks at Newdegate and Lake King to support firefighting and community water supplies; and
- Shire of Wagin: $60,000 to implement three Water Security Strategy initiatives, including preparatory works for a town desalination system, expansion of the Vernon Street Weir and upgrades to water harvesting sites
The projects were identified as part of Regional Drought Resilience Plans (RDRP) developed by the Wheatbelt Development Commission.
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the winning grants highlighted the importance of locally-led solutions.
“That’s the flexibility Future Drought Fund provides – it can adapt to each region as required, as we can see from the projects happening across the Wheatbelt,” Ms Collins said
“The Future Drought Fund is all tiers of government working together to help regional communities manage drought and climate resilience. As the climate changes, water security is more vital than ever, which is why we’re working with regional communities to improve their water security infrastructure.”
Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister, Jackie Jarvis, said the RDRP showed cooperation at all levels was delivering tangible benefits to regional communities.
“Together with the Western Australian Government’s cross-agency work, we are working hard to build climate resilient regional communities.”
Western Australian Minster for the Wheatbelt, Sabine Winton, said the investment gave local people confidence in their future.
“Southern Wheatbelt residents understand how deeply water shapes daily life. When the seasons turn dry, the effects are felt across every part of the community,” she said.
“Agriculture is at the heart of the region’s economy, so reliable water is vital to keep farms productive, support local jobs and sustain strong towns.”
For more information on the WA RDRP program, visit the website
