More than half a million dollars of Royalties for Regions funding will bring an extra 16 million litres of non-potable water online to irrigate open space in Wongan Hills.
The $522,972 project funded through Watering WA Towns was announced by Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA.
Ms Davies said the water source would green school grounds and public spaces in town as well as providing emergency livestock and fire fighting water.
“Funding will allow the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu and Wongan Hills District High School install an 8.6km pipeline and associated infrastructure to access water from the unused Mocardy Dam,” she said.
“A co-contribution of $224,455 from the Shire, school and P&C will deliver fit-for-purpose water to transform the school grounds and its curriculum.”
Ms Davies said the new water source would be used in the development of new and exciting agricultural and aquacultural programs as part of the school curriculum and help establish a school horticulture garden.
“It will also save the Shire and school more than $60,000 a year combined by replacing 12,500 litres of scheme water currently needed for non-drinking purposes such as green spaces and school toilets,” she said.
Member for the Agricultural Region Hon Martin Aldridge MLC said Royalties for Regions was providing regional communities with a more diverse and resilient range of low cost water sources.
“The $30 million Royalties for Regions funded Watering WA initiative puts in place innovative and sustainable water management to facilitate strategies for the long-term growth and development of regional WA,” Mr Aldridge said.
“Access to secure, reliable, local non-drinking water sources ensures that our regional communities, farms and businesses can continue to thrive and grow.”
For more information please contact Mia Davies on 9622 2871 (Northam office), 9041 1702 (Merredin office) or email mia.davies@mp.wa.gov.au.
Member for Central Wheatbelt Mia Davies MLA with representatives from the Shire of Wongan Hills, including councillors, and Wongan Hills District High School and P & C during the local Watering WA cheque presentation.
