- 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 availablefrom Water Security for Southern Forests Horticulture Industry | Agriculture and Food.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“I would like to thank theSouthern 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.”
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
