WaterSmart grants are available to farms in WA’s Wheatbelt and Great Southern. Photo: WA DPIRD
Farmers in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern who are planning to drill for water can apply for up to $20,000 to take part in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Curtin University research initiative which will use magnetic surveys to find water in underground bedrock.
The research team will work with up to 50 eligible farmers, and specialist companies in ground-based geophysical surveys and drilling to develop fit-for-purpose groundwater exploration services.
“Groundwater exploration and desalination technologies give farmers the ability to draw on additional water supplies when needed in dry seasons and support value-add opportunities for livestock or cropping enterprises,” WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said.
“Supporting further exploration in this area through these grants will continue to build scientific understanding to support our farmers to make informed decisions and build confidence in our drying climate.
“The WaterSmart Farms program is a great initiative, and another example of how the Cook Government is supporting ways to secure our water future.”
The grants will build on DPIRD’s early research, which involved a small number of farms where researchers found water at more than half the exploration sites.
The funding pool will issue up to 50 vouchers valued at up to $10,000 for eligible ground-based geophysical surveys, and a maximum of two drill-incentive vouchers of $5000 each for applicants who drill at sites informed by the geophysics.
The maximum cash value of vouchers that can be issued via a successful application is $20,000.
Successful applicants will also receive:
- A geophysical survey of their property using the WaterSmart Farms-developed methodology;
- Drill location coordinates and instruction notes for the driller; and,
- Access to expert advice from researchers and hydrogeologists.
This phase of research will work with more farmers across a larger area with the aim of improving landholder understanding of water supply options on their land and increasing access to excess ground water.
Applicants must be primary producers, and be the landowner, or have legal rights to access, explore and drill on the land, as well as having an intention to drill for water before May 2027.
The research is part of the broader WaterSmart Farms program, established in 2021, to conduct research on water supply options for Wheatbelt agribusinesses and communities.
Applications opened 7 March 7 and close 30 April, with more information available at the DPIRD website.
Source: WA Government
My farm at Yellanup Rd, Narrikup East, was totally reliant on stock water pumped from a neighbour’s bore.,