The state government has contributed $7.4 million from the royalties for regions scheme for the upgrade of the Gascoyne irrigation pipeline, which will unlock the region's potential to become a key food producer.
The state government has contributed $7.4 million from the royalties for regions scheme for the upgrade of the Gascoyne irrigation pipeline, which will unlock the region's potential to become a key food producer.
The announcement is below:
The long-awaited expansion of the Carnarvon horticulture area will begin in earnest with an announcement today from the State Government that $7.4million from Royalties for Regions has been committed to an upgrade of the Gascoyne Irrigation Pipeline.
The funds form part of a $19.9million capital works program to improve the pipeline which distributes water to Carnarvon horticulture plantations and has the potential to raise the value of the industries in the area by up to $68million.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman, Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls and Water Minister Graham Jacobs were on hand to provide details of the announcement at a gathering of local growers, businesses and stakeholders in Carnarvon.
The replacement and upgrade of the pipeline will provide irrigation across the entire 1,200ha Carnarvon horticulture precinct and be capable of servicing a proposed 400ha expansion.
Mr Redman said the expansion of the pipeline had been pursued by the community for many years and would help unlock the potential of the Gascoyne as a key food producing region for Western Australia.
"The upgrade will ensure the most efficient delivery of water to existing plantations in Carnarvon, which means more can be grown for less water," he said.
"This pipeline is also vital for any new horticultural developments coming on line in the area."
Mr Redman said growers in the region were well known for their water-use efficiency and innovative practices to deliver high quality produce.
"The Carnarvon horticultural area already plays a critical role in WA's fruit and vegetable production, annually generating on average $81million worth of produce and this can grow significantly with the well planned expansion," he said.
"This commitment to fund the pipeline will allow the Gascoyne Foodbowl Initiative to look at the next steps for development and expansion in the area."
Water Minister Graham Jacobs said water resources were essential to the productivity of the horticultural and pastoral industries.
"The availability of good quality water ensures producers can remain competitive in meeting the State's domestic and export requirements," Dr Jacobs said.
"This project will improve water efficiency and security to the Gascoyne agricultural sector in a region with low rainfall and high evaporation, ensuring this sector continues to be productive without disadvantaging other water user groups or the environment."
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the development of the pipeline and expansion of the foodbowl would bring opportunity for growth, employment and prosperity for the region.
"This is a prime example of how the Royalties for Regions funding is providing development and jobs in regional WA," Mr Grylls said.
Once agreements are in place with the Federal Government and Gascoyne Water Asset Mutual Cooperative, funds will be allocated to the cooperative to commission the upgrade.
