The Western Australian Government has announced an extra $28 million in funding to investigate priority groundwater sources in a bid to keep up with the state’s rapidly expanding water demand.

 

State Water Minister Bill Marmion said $21 million will be derived from the Royalties for Regions scheme and will cover four years of investigations in the South Coast, South West, Mid-West, Pilbara and the Kimberley.

 

“We have come to the point where throughout the State, much of our existing water resources are already allocated and we need to increase our knowledge of available groundwater sources,” Mr Marmion said.


“These groundwater investigations will look into water availability in a number of aquifer systems.  Some investigations will determine the potential to safely abstract more water from currently used sources.” 


The Minister said the water was needed not only for town supplies, but also for economic growth tied to agriculture, mining and industrial processing. More than $13.6million would also be spent by the State Government to replace the Department of Water’s ageing State water management systems. 


“Integrated and up-to-date knowledge of resource status and availability is becoming critical in meeting the requirements of government, industry and the community,” Mr Marmion said.


“These benefits will include better provision of services to industry stakeholders, including more direct processes and systems for water trading, and a reduction in processing time for water licence applications.


“The investment will also build on the commitment from the Federal Government to build a national computerised license registry as part of the National Water Initiative.”