- Cook Government releases response to Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group
report
- Up to $15.3 million for key projects to improve
water security for Manjimup-Pemberton
horticulture industry
The Cook Government will invest up to $15.3 million in key initiatives
to improve water security for horticultural growers in the Manjimup-Pemberton
region.
Today the State Government released its response to the Southern Forests
Irrigation Reference Group report that included 15 recommendations addressing
water infrastructure, water use efficiency and sustainable water policy.
In October 2022, the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group was
appointed to provide advice on measures to deliver water security to the
Manjimup-Pemberton horticulture industry.
The eight-member committee, chaired by former Department of Agriculture
and Food Director General Ian Longson, received briefings from Government
agencies and heard from 20 growers and stakeholders across the
Manjimup-Pemberton region.
In response to the Group's recommendations,
the Cook Government will deliver projects that support individual growers to
drought proof their business, and co-fund projects underpinned by science that
demonstrate an increase in water security, provide benefits to the broader
Manjimup-Pemberton community and consider
the water needs of the environment.
The Group found water security is best managed at the
individual farm level and any Government funding should be directed to
activities such as increasing capacity of existing dams and improving stream
monitoring, rather than other large water infrastructure schemes.
The State Government will work with horticulture growers reliant on
surface water to determine the most appropriate on-farm infrastructure to
improve water efficiency and productivity.
Two monitoring sites in the Donnelly River catchment have already been
reinstated. An expanded stream measurement monitoring program to collect more
surface water and groundwater information across the Warren-Donnelly River
catchment will also be investigated as part of the new Warren-Donnelly surface
water allocation plan.
The Cook Government is also working with the Commonwealth Government on
the potential to install a Doppler radar station in the Manjimup area, to
provider growers with more detailed weather information.
In addition, work will continue on research projects and long-term water
measurement to improve water savings and efficiency, as well as develop a
strong understanding of climate change impacts affecting the region.
The Government will also progress the appointment of a chair
of the Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee, who is independent from the
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. The Committee provides advice
to the Department and Minister on local water management and water plans.
A copy of the Southern
Forests Irrigation Reference Group report and Government response is available from Water
Security for Southern Forests Horticulture Industry | Agriculture and Food.
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"I would like to thank the Southern
Forests Irrigation Reference Group for the work they have done with local
stakeholders to seek views on practical solutions to address water security
issues for horticulture growers in the Manjimup-Pemberton region.
"The Department of Primary Industries
and Regional Development (DPIRD) will work with local growers to deliver
sustainable water management solutions for the region."
Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:
"We are committed to delivering updated and improved water
planning to support a strong and vibrant agricultural sector through water
security and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
"The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation will investigate a number
of options to improve stream monitoring and potential water carry over for
on-stream farm dams."
"The Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee will continue
to provide an avenue for growers and the community to contribute and advise the
State Government on water planning in the Warren-Donnelly catchments."
Comments attributed to
Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"Securing sustainable
water resources for the future benefit of the horticultural industry and
Manjimup and Pemberton communities is vital.
"We have listened
and responded to community concerns about water resources in the Warren-Donnelly
and remain committed to funding science-based solutions to water security.
"I look forward to
working with the Warren Donnelly Water Advisory Committee on water planning for
the catchment into the future."
