Golf Courses recognised for tee-rific waterwise practices

• Three additional golf courses recognised for their waterwise golf practices
• Golf courses support water efficiency in the Gnangara groundwater area
• Waterwise Golf Program provides support on irrigation efficiency practices

Five Western Australian golf courses have now been recognised for their efforts as part of the Waterwise Golf Program.

Wembley Golf Course was today the first golf club under the revised Waterwise Golf Program to be awarded silver level accreditation, demonstrating advanced management and planning skills in water consumption, system auditing, and improved turf management to reduce water demand.

The Carramar and Wanneroo Golf Courses, and The Western Australian Golf Club, have received bronze level accreditation, showcasing their commitment to sustainable water use and irrigation efficiency.

This is the second tranche of golf clubs to join Wembley and Hartfield Golf Clubs achieving bronze level accreditation under the program since its review in 2019, meeting the required water budgeting, licence compliance, and water conservation planning criteria.

These golf courses are located within the Gnangara groundwater area, which supplies more than 40 per cent of Perth's drinking water, irrigation for one-in-four household bores and almost all water for sports and green recreational spaces.

By securing this precious groundwater in a drying climate through efficient and sustainable water management practices, we can all help to create a liveable, sustainable, productive and resilient Perth for the long term.

The Waterwise Golf Program is a joint initiative between the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Western Australia and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The Waterwise Golf Program is also a specified action under the State Government's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan - Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2, which is supporting the establishment of world-leading waterwise communities in Perth and Peel by 2030.

For more information on the Waterwise Golf Program and its importance for sustainable water use, please visit https://gcsawa.com/

Comments attributed to Water Minister Simone McGurk:

"The reality of climate change is that we all need to adopt waterwise practices and it's great to see these golf courses leading by example.

"The Waterwise Golf Program provides support to golf course irrigation operators on managing water use efficiently - developing an electronic portal for participants with a digital guidance manual on how to do the work and meet accreditation.

"There are currently 15 golf courses within the program seeking accreditation under the bronze level and I encourage other golf courses to make use of the program. I encourage other golf courses to make use of the program and support irrigation going forward."

Comments attributed to Wanneroo MLA Sabine Winton:

"It's so important for all of us to look at what we can do better to preserve water.

"Congratulations to the Wanneroo and Carramar Golf Courses, and The Western Australian Golf Club for reaching their bronze level accreditation."

Comments attributed to Churchlands MLA Christine Tonkin:

"Well done to Wembley Golf Course for becoming the first golf club to be awarded silver level accreditation in our State under the reviewed program.

"By using innovative techniques to save water and boost sustainability this will benefit the community in the long term."