The Western Australian Government has announced the opening of the 31 kilometre Gascoyne Irrigation Pipeline Project, paving the way for the expansion of one of the state’s major horticultural production areas.

 

“This project represents water security for fruit and vegetable producers in the Carnarvon area - without it, any expansion of the Gascoyne food bowl would not be possible,” State Minister for Agriculture and Food Terry Redman said.

 

Water Minister Bill Marmion praised the involvement of the local community in supporting the project, in particular the Gascoyne Water Cooperative (GWC).

 

“The new high density polyethylene pipeline will be a more efficient irrigation system, using water where it’s needed and without waste,” Mr Marmion said.

 

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said that with the pipeline’s completion, the next step was further flood mitigation work and expansion of the Gascoyne food bowl, an initiative funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.