The southern half of Western Australia is being hit particularly hard by the impacts of climate change, presenting long-term water security challenges for farmers in the regions. In response, the WA Government makes two announcements.
Firstly, the Minister for Water announced the largest investment in community dam infrastructure in the State’s history. The plan will see 70 community dams upgraded or recommissioned (and refurbished as required) in order to provide vital, non-potable water supplies to farmers during dry years.
The $7.3 million program would be funded by $3.65 million from the WA Government, and a $3.65 million application to the Federal Government through its National Water Grid Authority.
The 70 dam sites identified warrant upgrading to increase storage capacity and will provide more reliable agricultural and emergency livestock drinking water sources, especially during dry periods when on-farm supplies are depleted.
This project provides a longer-term solution for WA farmers when dealing with the impacts of climate change, and will support liveable and climate resilient communities in rural WA by developing and increasing the number of non-drinking water sources for regional communities and emergency use.
Secondly, the Minister for Water also announced that agreement had been reached with the Federal Government which will see 511 farmers paid in full for outstanding applications previously unfunded under the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.
There was significant demand for the first round of the scheme, with over 900 farmers in WA receiving a rebate. However, indicative of the dry seasons, the first round of the scheme was significantly oversubscribed.
This announcement will see around $2.8 million in rebates making its way to WA farmers who have already put in place water infrastructure and short-term solutions to help them deal with the impacts of climate change, and to address animal welfare and permanent planting water needs.
Source: WA Government