Grants

McGowan Government announces funding to help WA farmers deal with impacts of climate change

Aiza Mabayag Feb 8, 2021

2 min read

McGowan Government announces a $7.3 million infrastructure plan to upgrade and refurbish 70 community dams in the State’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions and secures funding for 511 water efficiency rebates for WA dry region farmers.

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 McGowan 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 McGowan Government, and a $3.65 mill

ion 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.

“Farmers across southern Western Australia continue to be impacted by reduced rainfall and dry conditions as a result of climate change. That’s why the McGowan Government is investing the largest ever amount of funding into this visionary water infrastructure plan, that will provide part of the solution for WA farmers when dealing with the impacts of climate change, “Water Minister Dave Kelly said.

“By upgrading these 70 dams, we will increase their storage capacity and provide more reliable emergency agricultural and livestock water supplies for farmers to use during periods of dry conditions when on-farm supplies have been depleted, “Water Minister Dave said.

“I’m also very pleased to see that the McGowan Government’s lobbying efforts have been successful in securing a further $2.8 million in Commonwealth Government rebates for WA farmers, “Water Minister Dave said.