The official declaration follows applications from the Shire of Esperance on behalf of seven farmers in Grass Patch. A water deficiency declaration is implemented as a last resort, after continued dry conditions have depleted on-farm and local community water supplies.
Water will be delivered to previously established tanks at Grass Patch, reducing the distance farmers need to travel to source emergency livestock water.
Water carting arrangements will continue during this very dry period, to safeguard the commercial interests of farmers.
Water carting arrangements are being managed by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Water Corporation.
DWER is liaising with local government authorities and farmers in other dryland areas to monitor their on-farm water storage and requirements. DWER is also encouraging local government authorities to consider applying for support through the Community Water Supplies Partnership program in areas of need.
Since 2021, the State Government has approved more than $3.9 million for 52 projects to improve community water supplies, including work related to dams, catchments and bores.
