Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 4561

❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks detailed information about the Water for Food project at Mowanjum, including bore specifics, water usage, salinity, and future irrigation plans. The Minister provides answers, including bore details, water flow rates, and future reporting plans.

AnsweredQoN 4561Legislative Council

Asked

20 October 2016

Member

Hon Robin Chapple

Portfolio

Water

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Water for Food project at Mowanjum, and I ask: (a) how many production bores are there to supply the 38 hectare centre pivot; (b) when were they installed; (c) how long have the production bores been operating; (d) what was the original flow of the production bores after they were installed; (e) what is the current flow of the production bores; (f) how many megalitres per hectare per year were proposed for the project; (g) will the Minister table the monthly records of water flow from the production bores; (h) if no to (g), why not; (i) what were the salinity levels of the production bores when first installed; (j) what are the salinity levels of the production bores now; (k) will the Minister table the monthly or periodic water quality reports for the life of the project; (l) if no to (k), why not; (m) is there enough water of adequate quality to supply the 38 hectare centre pivot into the future; (n) if no to (m), why not; (o) if no to (m), where will the water come from; and (p) how much more land has been proposed for irrigation at Mowanjum?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

24 November 2016

Responded by

Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Water

Response time

35 days

(a) Two (b) February 2015 (c) Irrigation commenced in August 2015 (d) Pump testing indicated each bore could sustain a flow rate of up to 70 litres per second (e) A combined flow of 66 litres per second is required to operate the irrigation system (f) 19 megalitres per hectare. (g) No (h) There is no requirement under the licence to record water flow rate, only meter readings. (i) Information is attached - as this answer was processed out of session due to prorogation, therefore there is no tabled paper. (k) Yes. Data and information generated by the trail is being made during site visits and local industry forums. At the conclusion of the trail a report will be made publically available. (l) Not applicable (m) Yes (n) Not applicable (o) Not applicable (p) The State Government approved an option for 4100ha of freehold tenure in November 2015. Of this Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation proposes to establish an irrigation precinct, feed lot and supporting infrastructure.

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