Carnarvon's vital horticultural industry is now better protected from major flood damage with the completion of a $60million flood mitigation project.
The Gascoyne's valuable horticultural district and wider community suffered $90million damage when the largest flooding event in the region's history struck in December 2010.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the completion of the flood mitigation levees was made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.
"The flooding disaster of December 2010 had a devastating impact on Carnarvon's businesses, industry and the wider community," Mr Redman said.
"This improved level of protection - via four major levees constructed to the east of the town site and adjacent to the Lower Gascoyne River - means the potential losses to Carnarvon growers in the event of another flood will be greatly reduced.
"Royalties for Regions' significant contribution to this project reflects the Government's vision of developing sustainable and economically robust communities across regional Western Australia."
Water Minister Mia Davies said the flood levees would mitigate any further large scale floods in the area, giving Carnarvon growers the stability and security they needed to thrive and develop.
"As this community knows only too well, water is the ultimate driver of growth but it can also wreak devastation - and we need to manage extremes when they occur," Ms Davies said.
"Managing water in this area is a balance between protecting against flood damage and ensuring maximum aquifer recharge during flood events, as the aquifers are crucial for the town and its horticultural industry."
The completion of the Carnarvon flood mitigation works is a critical pillar in achieving the State Government's commitment to the growth and expansion of the Gascoyne Foodbowl.
Fact File
The project received $45million from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program, while the Federal Government's Regional Development Australia Fund contributed $15million
Royalties for Regions has provided further support to the Gascoyne horticultural industry with $25million provided for the Gascoyne Foodbowl Project and $6.03million towards the Gascoyne Irrigation Pipeline Project
Minister's office - 6552 6700
