Western Australian plan to help ensure water supplies for recreation spaces
A new water strategy has been developed to ensure Perth's fast growing north-western suburbs will have adequate water for sporting and recreation spaces.
Western Australian Water Minister Mia Davies said the State Government, in partnership with local governments, would ensure groundwater was available to developers in the north-west corridor from Quinns Rocks to Yanchep.
Minister Davies stated "having adequate public open space is really important for residents' health and wellbeing, and groundwater availability in this high-growth area is extremely limited.
By assessing the potential availability of groundwater, as well as the future needs of public open spaces, the Department of Water has developed the North West Corridor Water Supply Strategy.
"This will ensure available water is shared to irrigate parks, playing fields and other public open spaces in the new residential developments."
The Minister said the two main planks of the strategy were the adoption of water sensitive design and reduced turf irrigation rates, adding "historically, Perth's suburban sports pitches and parks have not been limited by water availability, however the city has grown and rainfall has reduced.
"Public open space of the future must incorporate, where possible, eco-zoning, stormwater harvesting and water recycling, which we know our groundwater allocations can support."
The strategy was developed by a working group comprising representatives from the Western Australian Department of Water and the City of Wanneroo in consultation with developers, government agencies and other stakeholders.
The North West Corridor Water Supply Strategy covers an area of more than 9,000 hectares approved for urban development.
The strategy aims to provide sufficient irrigation for public open spaces, limit saltwater intrusion in to the aquifer and protect the local groundwater dependent environment.
Revised allocation volumes are based on a reduced annual irrigation rate of 6,750 kilolitres per hectare (a typical allocation is 7,500kl/ha).
2nd February 2014 - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PLAN TO HELP ENSURE WATER SUPPLIES FOR RECREATION SPACES
