6/10/05
The State Government's award-winning floodgates system near Busselton has the potential to transform wetlands management practice around the world.
Officially opening the $4.3million Vasse-Wonnerup Floodgates today, Minister Assisting in Water Resources John Kobelke said the gate system's design was unique.
"The designers have come up with a system that manages water flow in two directions by remote control, and allows fish to swim into and out of the wetlands to maintain their natural migration and breeding patterns," Mr Kobelke said.
"This is believed to be a world first for a floodgates system and I am told the design is easily adaptable and scalable to suit any dimensions and a range of other locations."
The Minister said the floodgates' innovative design led to them picking up two awards this year.
The high-tech gate system, which protects low-lying Busselton and its coastal wetlands from flooding, was constructed by the Water Corporation over one summer using mostly local labour.
"The new floodgate system will ensure local people are safe from ocean surges and that the water level and water quality in both the environmentally sensitive Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries is maintained," Mr Kobelke said.
The new floodgates replace a set of timber gates installed in 1907 which, though they had been repaired and upgraded many times, were no longer efficient.
"The new gates are made of hard-wearing concrete and can be controlled remotely, which makes them easier and faster to operate," the Minister said.
"They have been designed to maintain sufficient water levels in local flood plains while preventing an oversupply of salt water from entering the floodplains."
Mr Kobelke said the gates would protect the Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries which were part of an internationally significant wetland system.
"The upgraded floodgate system is vital in securing what is one of the most important waterbird habitat areas in the South-West," he said.
"The gates also play an important role in sustaining the local economy, maintaining the health and therefore appeal of the local wetland environment and keeping the surrounding farmlands free from salt."
The Minister said almost 85 per cent of the $4.3 million budget to build the gates was spent with local subcontractors and suppliers, boosting the local construction industry.
The floodgates have won the Water Corporation and its project team the Environmental and Engineering for Regional Communities categories of the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards for 2005 and the State prize in the 2005 Case Earth Awards. They are now an entrant in the national competition.
"The old gates have been donated to the Busselton Historical Society which is finalising restoration work to complete an interpretive display at the Butter Factory," Mr Kobelke said.
"I am very pleased to see the old timber gates will remain a local community asset.
"Through initiatives such as the Vasse-Wonnerup floodgates upgrade, the Gallop Government is protecting and enhancing WA's unique lifestyle and environment."
Minister's office: 9222 9211
