Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA has said applications had opened for the State Government’s Watering WA Towns grants program.
“This initiative is providing $21.6 million towards developing water sources for regional community and industry use thanks to Royalties for Regions,” Mr Waldron said.
Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA said local governments, community groups and businesses in dryland agricultural areas that received less than 600mm/year average rainfall could apply for funding of up to $2 million to develop water sources for community and industry use.
“This is a great incentive for communities and businesses throughout the Wagin electorate to reduce their reliance on scheme water and maximise use of fit-for-purpose water,” Mr Waldron said.
“Grants of up to $2 million are available to co-invest in infrastructure to harvest, store, treat and distribute non-potable water for irrigation and community use.
“This significantly increases the current maximum grant value for similar projects from $100,000 per project, with a co-investment requirement of 30 per cent, capped at $300,000.”
Watering WA Towns accelerates the State Government’s Community Water Supply Program (CWSP), which has funded 120 projects worth $5.5 million, since 1996.
Watering WA Towns is a key component of the broader $30 million Watering WA initiative, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said secure, reliable and sustainable water supplies were essential for maintaining the vibrancy of regional towns as well as supporting long-term growth of regional industries.
“Watering WA is also about building on-farm water supplies to increase capacity and boost water security for food production in regional WA,” Mr Rundle said.
“Through the $4.4 million Farms and Rural Businesses component of Watering WA, rebates of up to $20,000 are available to optimise water supply and use.”
Applications for Watering WA Towns are due by November 30. For more information and to download grant applications visit www.water.wa.gov.au/wateringWA
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810 or E: peter.rundle@nationalswa.com
