Seven regional WA councils are set to share in more than $480,000 in funding through the latest round of the State Government’s Community Water Supplies Partnership (CWSP) program, which seeks to assist rural communities build climate resilience by improving local water infrastructure.
The program, delivered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s Rural Water Planning team, provides up to $100,000 per project to develop off-farm community water supplies, with applicants providing a 30% co-contribution.
This round of funding supports projects across Albany, Carnarvon, Kondinin (two projects), Menzies, Perenjori and Plantagenet, including the installation of water tanks, pumps, pipelines, bores and dam upgrades.
“These community-driven projects show how we can build water resilience from the ground up, using practical infrastructure that supports local needs,” said WA Water Minister, Don Punch.
“Whether it’s firefighting, irrigating public spaces, or reducing pressure on scheme water, these investments are all about helping our regions adapt to a changing climate.
“The CWSP program is a great example of the Western Australian and Australian governments working together to deliver smart, effective solutions for regional Western Australia.
“I commend the local governments and communities involved for their leadership in planning and delivering these vital projects.”
The CWSP program is supported by the Water Infrastructure for Sustainable and Efficient Regions initiative under the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund.
A combined $5.6 million has been committed to the CWSP program from 2024-25 to 2026-27 by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
The streamlined approval process for CWSP projects ensures quicker access to funding for projects under $100,000, allowing communities to respond faster to local needs.
The approved projects are:
- City of Albany – $73,302 for two 250-kilolitre water tanks to support firefighting and irrigation at the Mercer Road depot;
- Shire of Carnarvon – $100,000 to connect an artesian water source to irrigate key green spaces;
- Shire of Kondinin (Stage 1) – $63,476 for new pipelines to enable a continuous pipeline from the CBH town site to the town’s dams;
- Shire of Kondinin (Stage 2) – $68,202 for a pump, tank and generator to further enhance water storage and supply;
- Shire of Menzies – $79,800 to re-line a town dam and install tanks to support firefighting and greening initiatives;
- Shire of Perenjori – $57,600 to drill a new bore and install tanks and solar-powered pumps; and
- Shire of Plantagenet – $38,709 for a rainwater harvesting system at the Rocky Gully Bush Fire Brigade.
“The Albanese Government is delivering infrastructure projects to communities who need better access to water,” said Acting Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tim Ayres.
“We’re very pleased to partner with the Cook Government along with local councils and industries to ensure we are making real, on-the-ground improvements for the people of WA.”
