The Department of Primary Industries is to administer a $7.3 million infrastructure plan to upgrade and refurbish 70 community dams in the State’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions.
Minister for Water, Dave Kelly, said the southern half of the State had been hit particularly hard by climate change, presenting long-term water security challenges for farmers there.
“This is the largest investment in community dam infrastructure in the State’s history,” Mr Kelly said.
“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.”
He said the identified dam sites warranted upgrading to increase storage capacity and would provide more reliable agricultural and emergency livestock drinking water sources.
“This project provides a longer-term solution for farmers when dealing with the impacts of climate change, and will support liveable and climate-resilient communities in rural Western Australia,” Mr Kelly said.
He also announced that agreement had been reached with the Federal Government to 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 receiving a rebate,” Mr Kelly said.
“However, indicative of the dry seasons, the first round of the scheme was significantly over-subscribed.
“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,” he said.
“It will also address animal welfare and permanent planting water needs,” he said.
