Program to reduce groundwater use reaches milestone

• Half of $4 million in funding under Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program allocated to local government projects
• Initiative forms part of the Government of Western Australia's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3

A Cook Government initiative to help local councils build climate resilient suburbs while also reducing groundwater usage has reached a major milestone.

Around half of the $4 million allocated for the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program has been distributed to nine local government authorities with their projects either completed or nearing completion.

The Town of Bassendean received $200,000 to install a turf injection system at three sporting facilities including Bassendean Oval.

The system allows wetting agent and fertiliser to be applied through irrigation, reducing water demand and improving plant health.

Other recipient councils include:

• The City of Joondalup which received $600,000 to install a new irrigation smart meter system across several sites and the redevelopment of Barridale Park;
• The City of Vincent which received $200,000 for several projects which included installing weather stations and soil moisture probes to improve water efficiency; and
• The City of Wanneroo which received $600,000 to install a centrally controlled smart irrigation system with weather stations that will automatically adjust schedules at 128 parks based on climatic conditions.

The Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program is a joint initiative between Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and Water Corporation that focuses on the local governments with large groundwater entitlements that face the most risk from the urban heat island effect. It also aims to help reduce groundwater use under the Gnangara groundwater allocation plan.

This initiative forms part of the Government's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan Waterwise action plan 3, which aims to establish leading waterwise communities for Boorloo (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) by 2030.

To find out more visit www.wa.gov.au/service/natural-resources/water-resources/program-kep-katitjin-gabi-kaadadjan-waterwise-action-plan-3

Comments attributed to Water Minister Don Punch:

"This program is helping build climate resilient communities by supporting local governments to reduce groundwater use and create cooler, greener public spaces.

"By working together through the Gnangara Waterwise Councils Grants Program, we're empowering councils to lead the way in sustainable water management.

"This initiative is a practical step toward implementing the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan. It shows how we can respond to climate challenges, protect our groundwater, and create healthier, more liveable places for everyone and secure our water future."