Water grant boosts farming plans
THE South West is one of seven regions boosted by a $24.5 million instalment to the State Government's Water for Food project.
Water Minister Mia Davies visited the Harvey Agricultural College last Thursday to announce stage two of the project.
"The college was the ideal place to launch this part of the $40 million dollar Royalties for Regions project," Ms Davies said.
"We had the opportunity to meet the students who will become industry leaders of the future."
Farmers in the Myalup-Wellington district will receive $5.7 million to improve water practices, quality and delivery.
"Through this project we will explore alternatives for additional water supply options for both the Myalup irrigated agricultural precinct and the Collie River irrigation district," Ms Davies said.
"We have a 186 gigalitre capacity in Wellington Dam but salinity is limiting growth in the Collie River Irrigation District and its job creation potential.
"We will be exploring downstream salinity treatment of water from the dam for irrigated agriculture, decreasing the reliance on groundwater supplies."
Ms Davies said a Myalup-Wellington Steering Group, which included Harvey Water, had been established to explore possible options and give insight for the project.
"This irrigation region has incredible potential with its wonderful geographic location, infrastructure and access to full services," Ms Davies said.
"We want to find ways to lift production, create private sector investment opportunities, improve grower confidence and create sustainable jobs."
Vegetables WA chief executive officer John Shannon said the project would benefit vegetable growers in the region.
"The Myalup region alone produces $65 million of the State's vegetables and has 150 permanent employees and 200 seasonal," Mr Shannon said.
"The project will enable growers to have the water to expand their businesses which will have a flow-on-effect into local businesses and employment."
