An independent review of the water modelling that underpins the proposed Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme (SFIS) has been released by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The Donelly River model review, which was conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), was in response to ongoing community concern about the project.
The review found that while the Donnelly River model was based on water modelling methodologies that were commonly used in the past, the scientific understanding of climate change and its impacts had since continued to evolve.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Alannah MacTiernan said the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation was now in consultation with the CSIRO and would review the report, with a preliminary assessment of its implications to be provided in coming months.
“Climate change is having a major impact on WA’s south-west and, as the review notes, this makes water modelling extremely complex,” Ms MacTiernan said
“This independent review provides an important path forward to determine the future viability of the proposed Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme.”
She said that any significant reduction in the water available to the SFIS would affect the scheme’s business case.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly said his Department’s scientists were now reviewing the report in detail and were considering the findings and recommendations.
“These are very technical matters requiring thorough consideration,” Mr Kelly said.
“We will continue to work closely with the local community as we determine the next steps for the project,” he said.
The 24-page Review can be accessed at this PS News link.
