Latest update
Stakeholder Invitation
The Southern Forest Irrigation Reference Group would like to invite interested parties to present their ideas and views on how best to address water security for the Horticulture industry in the Manjimup- Pemberton region.
When: Friday 11th November - 1pm to 6pm
Where: Manjimup Research Centre, 28527 South West Hwy.
To find out more information, please see the information flyer on the right-hand side of this page.
Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group
The State Government understands the climate change challenges the horticulture industry in the Manjimup-Pemberton region faces and is committed to supporting the region. A Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group will be established to explore a broad package of climate change measures including new infrastructure, water efficiency improvements and water policy to help build water security and resilience to support our local farmers.
The Reference Group will be chaired by Ian Longson, former Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Food. Expert advice will be made available to support the group through briefings on technical, policy and engineering investigations. To find out more about the Reference Group please refer to the information flyer on the right hand side of this page, including the Terms of Reference.
CSIRO report
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) commissioned CSIRO to undertake a review of the water modelling of the Donnelly River and associated sub-catchment area. CSIRO has provided the updated model. The report highlighted a number of concerns with the previous modelling, including that less water is likely to be available from the Donnelly River in the future. While the CSIRO focus has been on the future water availability for the SFIS, it also highlights that water will become scarcer for everyone, which means doing nothing is not an option. The Government is committed to maximum transparency and will incorporate community engagement and feedback in the steps ahead.
Future climate water supply estimates for the proposed Southern Forest Irrigation Scheme
Following CSIRO’s updated projections of stream flow in the Donnelly River, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) has updated its water supply estimates for the proposed Southern Forests Irrigation Scheme. The report can be accessed on the right hand side of this page.
For further information or to be provided with documents in an alternative format please contact sfis@dpird.wa.gov.au