AN Eyre Peninsula infrastructure project, aiming to increase water security for struggling local primary producers, has received a welcome financial boost from the state government today.
The state government said it would commit $500,000 to the $1.43-million Coolanie Water Scheme project, which aims to supply up to 210,000 litres of reticulated water a day to 22 farms in the Cowell district.
The announcement comes as Premier Steven Marshall and Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone visited the drought-affected communities of Cleve and Cowell last week.
But Mr Whetstone said the project was first discussed in September.
“This project was identified by the (Franklin Harbour) council as a priority for the local community, which continues to be adversely affected by drought,” he said.
“Farmers are having to rely on farm dams, rainwater tanks and carting truckloads of water daily.
“The local infrastructure is very outdated, so we want to upgrade that and get everyone on mains water.
“This permanent water infrastructure solution will directly support ongoing drought resilience for the area and provide positive economic activity in the community.”
Mr Whetstone said the project was still dependent on a $715,000 grant from the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.
But he was confident the project – the first in SA to draw from the $72m federal fund – would get support.
“The state government will provide $500,000 towards the water project from the SA Regional Growth Fund, adding to a $215,000 commitment from the District Council of Franklin Harbour,” he said.
If the NWIDF grant is secured, 3.6 kilometres of 100-millimetre diameter cast iron pipe will be replaced by SA Water with larger 150mm diameter, modern PVC pipe, and Franklin Harbour Council will install a 50,000L header tank, a 250,000L storage tank and the water distribution network to supply mains water to the 22 farms.
Mr Whetstone also highlighted the national $50m On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme available to drought-affected SA primary producers.
The rebate is 25 per cent of on-farm water infrastructure expenses, which could be retrospective.
“So any farmer that has already installed drought-related infrastructure can claim 25pc back on the cost of the project,” Mr Whetstone said.
PIRSA is the conduit of that program, he said.
- Details: 1800 255 556 or PIRSA.recovery@sa.gov.au
