Federal Government to keep $39m for failed Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme in place for SW water security

The Federal Government has pledged it will still spend nearly $40 million on water security issues in the lower South West after the contentious Southern Forest Irrigation Scheme was officially scrapped.

The Manjimup-Bridgetown Times reported last week O’Connor MP Rick Wilson had written to Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, urging the Government to keep the $39.7m it had set aside for the failed scheme for other water-efficiency projects for the agricultural sector.

The State Government announced earlier this month the scheme — which would have seen water pumped to a 15GL dam and distributed through 250km of pipelines to farmers — would not continue as the plan was based on outdated water modelling.

While making the announcement, Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the State Government would keep the $16m it had committed to the SFIS for a future water security project, which a taskforce would now be formed to lead.

The Federal Government has now confirmed to the Manjimup-Bridgetown Times it would keep the $39.7m in place for this upcoming project.

A Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water spokesperson said the funding was dependent on the development of the new scheme.

“Once the Western Australian Government has considered alternative options to the original Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme, and developed a robust business case, we would welcome a proposal to improve water security in the Manjimup-Pemberton region,” the department spokesperson said.

The reference group for the new project will be established to provide advice on alternative measures to deliver water security for the area’s horticultural sector to respond to climate change challenges.

The DCCEEW spokesperson said the Federal Government supported the decision to pursue alternative solutions to address water security in the Manjimup-Pemberton region.

“Updated hydrological modelling undertaken by the CSIRO for the Western Australian Government has highlighted significant water availability issues for the original SFIS that impact its viability,” they said.

“It is a responsible decision to review the original project to ensure the best possible project outcomes for the local community.”

In his letter to Ms Plibersek, Mr Wilson said he was concerned WA would no longer get its share of funding to address the water issues.

“As the Federal Member for an electorate that encompasses the Southern Forests, I trust you will look favourably upon my request that the Commonwealth quarantine funding for water security measures for farms in the Southern Forests,” he wrote.

The spokesperson said Ms Plibersek was considering the issues raised by Mr Wilson and would respond to the letter.