Joint media statement - Myalup-Wellington water project boost for South West
22 October 2018
WA Government:
Irrigated agriculture production in the Collie
River, Harvey and Waroona districts in south-west
Western Australia is set to expand thanks to a transformational
water infrastructure initiative.
Led by
Collie
Water, the $396 million project aims to reduce salinity in the
Wellington Dam, WA's second largest reservoir.
Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of The Nationals and Minister for
Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack
said the
Australian Government is committed to constructing the water
infrastructure of 21st century.
"The Myalup-Wellington project is a significant economic development
project which offers an innovative, long-term solution to the salinity
problems in the Wellington Dam," Mr McCormack said.
"The Project is expected to increase supply of potable water into the
Harris Dam by 10 gigalitres per year. It'll boost WA's gross state
product by more than $570 million each year and support up to 830 jobs
throughout the construction and operation phases."
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the
Liberal and Nationals Government is committing $190 million to the
project.
"Saline water will be pumped from the Collie River East Branch to reduce
salt flows into the Wellington Dam. A private desalination facility will
be built near Collie to produce potable water to be delivered to the
Harris Dam," Mr Littleproud said.
"The Burekup Weir will be improved to provide increased head pressure,
while existing open irrigation channels below the weir will be replaced
with a closed pipe network to extend pressurised water supply and
increase the area under irrigation.
"The project is also working to deliver new irrigation water to Myalup
to support expansion of the region's existing highly productive
irrigated agricultural industry."
WA Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said access to
fit-for-purpose water is vital for the region's agricultural growth.
"The Myalup-Wellington Project will help secure the future of the region
in a drying climate, creating opportunities for expanded horticulture
and agriculture," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This is a long-term project - staged over the next five to seven years.
"Work is underway to increase the area of timber plantations in the
upper Wellington Dam catchment to assist in the management of catchment
salinity.
"Collie Water is progressing design plans and has commenced its tender
process for the construction of the
desalination plant."
A Water Minister Dave Kelly said the environmental benefits of the
project are significant.
"This project will enable great utilisation of the significant water
resource in the Wellington Dam," Mr Kelly said.
"It will also deliver greater certainty in water supplies for those in
the region."
The project is jointly funded with the Australian Government investing
$190 million, the Western Australian Government $37 million and Collie
Water and private investors $169 million.
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Agriculture and Food Minister's office - 6552 6200 Water Minister's office - 6552 6100
External Links: N/A
Recent news by: WA Government