Champion Lakes water resource identified

20/6/03
An important hurdle in the development of the Champion Lakes Regional Recreation Park has been jumped, with the confirmation of the availability of a sustainable water resource.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said Champion Lakes had the potential to provide first-class recreation facilities as part of the State Government's redevelopment of Perth's long-neglected south-east corridor.
"The site is capable of accommodating a lake suitable for rowing events, a white water park, commercial activities, a residential estate, extensive conservation areas and an Aboriginal Interpretive Centre," Ms MacTiernan said.
"One of the essential criteria for the lake's development has been the identification of a water resource that will not affect Perth's potable water supply, groundwater or river systems in the area."
Six weeks ago, the Armadale Redevelopment Authority commissioned the drilling of a pilot bore into the Yarragadee aquifer to a depth of 600m to prove up a water resource.
"Initial analysis of the results show that a suitable supply of water exists with a salinity in the range of 1,500-2,000 parts per million," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Because this water cannot be used for drinking, (the upper limit of salinity for drinking water is approximately 500ppm) its use will not affect potential supplies for domestic use, but it is more than suitable to top-up the lake to counter evaporation."
The Minister said completion of the pilot bore had been delayed due to the discovery of a substantial layer of hard rock above the Yarragadee.
"Although this has made drilling difficult, the rock layer acts as a barrier to ensure that extraction of water from the Yarragadee at this point will not affect domestic bores in the area or groundwater or flows to wetlands and the Southern and Canning River systems," she said.
It is estimated that only 0.62 gigalitres a year will be required to top-up the lake - less than the amount required annually to irrigate an 18-hole golf course.
"Expert advice confirms this rate of extraction will have no material impact upon the substantial Yarragadee aquifer system which extends as far south as Margaret River," Ms MacTiernan said.
The Environmental Protection Authority is expected to issue a public bulletin on Monday (June 23) that will define the authority's recommended conditions for future environmental management of the development.
"Once the environmental operating conditions have been established, further detailed planning and public consultation will occur," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The Gallop Government is developing WA as a liveable, dynamic and vibrant State."
Minister's Office - 9213 6400