❓ Dr. Honey inquires about water supply and tariffs for horticulture in the Geraldton region. The response details current tariffs, limited groundwater availability, greywater system approvals, and past/ongoing efforts to identify affordable water sources, including unsuccessful funding applications.
AnsweredQoN 5158Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) What are the tariff rates for horticultural water supply in the Geraldton region? (2) How much additional water is available to supply horticultural users in the Geraldton region, and what tariffs would apply to any additional supply? (3) Are there any grey water supplies available for reuse in the Geraldton region? If so, what plans are in-place to utilise this resource? (4) Are there any additional efforts being made to identify other affordable water supplies for horticultural enterprises in the Geraldton region? If so, what work is being carried out?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
20 June 2019
Responded by
Minister for Water
Response time
13 days
(1) For potable water services provided by the Water Corporation using up to 49 kilolitres per day, the standard non-residential prices apply for horticultural use. The usage prices charged depend upon the location of the service within the Geraldton Region and range from $2.534/kilolitre to $8.353/kilolitre.
(2) There is limited fresh groundwater available for self-supply in the areas where horticulture is currently established. Scheme water can be accessed, and the same tariffs as provided in question (1) would apply (for usage up to 49 kilolitres per day).
(3) The Department of Health approves greywater systems.
(4) Groundwater resources were previously investigated in Irwin in 2016-17, south of Allanooka, under the Water for Food Initiative. The study found shallow saline groundwater occurs primarily near the Irwin River and its tributaries, and it is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
Western Australia submitted an Expression of Interest to the Commonwealth Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund – Drought Round to expand the Geraldton horticulture area to support existing and new horticulture industries, however the Commonwealth advised it would not support the project. Another Expression of Interest was submitted to the Capital Round closing April 2019 and Western Australia has not been advised of an outcome.
(2) There is limited fresh groundwater available for self-supply in the areas where horticulture is currently established. Scheme water can be accessed, and the same tariffs as provided in question (1) would apply (for usage up to 49 kilolitres per day).
(3) The Department of Health approves greywater systems.
(4) Groundwater resources were previously investigated in Irwin in 2016-17, south of Allanooka, under the Water for Food Initiative. The study found shallow saline groundwater occurs primarily near the Irwin River and its tributaries, and it is unsuitable for irrigated agriculture.
Western Australia submitted an Expression of Interest to the Commonwealth Government’s National Water Infrastructure Development Fund – Drought Round to expand the Geraldton horticulture area to support existing and new horticulture industries, however the Commonwealth advised it would not support the project. Another Expression of Interest was submitted to the Capital Round closing April 2019 and Western Australia has not been advised of an outcome.
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