Glen Mervyn Dam to be raised to increase storage capacity by 50 per cent

1/7/98

The Glen Mervyn Dam is to be raised more than two metres to increase its storage capacity by 50 per cent, Water Resources Minister Dr Kim Hames said today.

Dr Hames said that while there were some environmental and water source issues to be sorted out, it was hoped the work would be carried out next summer in time for the new look dam to store water during the 1999 winter.

The project would be undertaken by the Water Corporation as part of its $340 million 1998-99 capital works program.

The Minister also today formally handed over the Preston Valley Irrigation Scheme to Donnybrook irrigation farmers.

The ceremony involved the transfer of assets to the Preston Valley Irrigation Co-operative by the Water Corporation. The corporation will continue to provide bulk water to the Co-operative through the Glen Mervyn Dam.

"The Preston Valley Irrigation Scheme has grown to the point where irrigation water supply has become a limiting factor," Dr Hames said.

"This situation has been the subject of extensive discussions between the Steering Committee and the Water Corporation,"

"The major work to be undertaken on the dam will boost its capacity to 2.1 million kilolitres, providing enough additional water for more than 240ha of irrigated land.

"The scheme is extremely valuable to the local community producing fruit, vegetable and flower crops valued at about $25 million, with current analysis suggesting there is potential to double the size of the overall business.

"Access to more water will allow growers to expand irrigated areas, significantly increasing the size and quality of their produce."

Dr Hames said that the Western Australian Government firmly believed that the irrigation farmers were best suited to be in charge of the irritation scheme.

"Because their businesses require water it is good economic sense that farmers have a direct say in how the water is managed and distributed," he said.

Dr Hames said there was a strong commitment by irrigation farmers to manage the irrigation scheme and the initial business plan suggested the financial outlook for the co-operative was sound.

"Growers will have full control over the future strategic direction of the Preston Valley Irrigation Scheme," he said.

"I am sure the scheme will be managed so that the future results provide the most productive outcome possible for the co-operative members."

Media contacts: Caroline Lacy (08)9424 7450

Water Corporation: Tony Snelling (08) 97910456