The state government has exempted commercial nurseries and tree farms, led by Benara Nurseries, from cuts to groundwater allocations but horticulture producers will need to adapt.
The state government has exempted commercial nurseries and tree farms from cuts to groundwater allocations but horticulture producers will need to adapt.
Announcing the new policy today, water minister Dave Kelly said commercial nurseries and tree farms would be exempt as they were comparatively small water users.
He added they also provide the plants and trees which help reduce the urban heat effect in Perth’s suburbs caused by climate change.
The government said there are about 100 water licences with groundwater entitlements for nursery purposes and 26 for tree farming.
Benara Nurseries, which employs up to 300 people, is the big winner from the surprise policy reversal.
Managing director Gavin James said the nursery industry was essential to Perth and regional communities, but it had faced the threat of losing 10 per cent of its allocations.
“Aside from securing the jobs that support hundreds of local families and businesses, it is well known that plants and trees provide health benefits to our population, they restore land and environments, beautify cities, provide cooling effects and also offset carbon,” he said.
“We are very pleased that uncertainty around the future of our businesses is now cleared."
The news was not good for farmers and local councils, with both groups facing a 10 per cent cut in their groundwater allocations.
The Water Corporation will have the biggest cut – its groundwater ‘abstraction’ has been cut by 27 per cent, in accord with a draft plan released last year.
vegetablesWA chief executive Manus Stockdale said he was very disappointed by the government's decisions and would be seeking practical support for the sector.
The directors of Benara said they were also concerned for local agricultural growers who continue to lack water security.
“They will need more, not less, water to secure supplies of Western Australia’s fruit and vegetables, to continue to employ local people and to thrive longer term,” Mr James said.
He added the company did not take the State’s precious water supplies for granted.
“Along with other growers, we look forward to working with the government on ways to become even more water efficient and to explore options to bring more water supplies to our State,” he said.
Mr Kelly said the government has committed $600,000 to support the North Wanneroo irrigated agriculture sector with transitioning to reduced groundwater availability through water efficiency programs.
The plan announced today provides a further $1 million to support agricultural licensees within the Gnangara plan area with the transition through water efficiency programs.
Funding of $4 million will be made available for affected local governments to assist them in the management of parks, street trees and open spaces.
A further $6.5 million will be provided, via Water Corporation, to assist households that currently use bore water.
They will move to the same two-days per week watering restrictions as households using scheme water.
The money will be available for rebates on smart irrigation technology, spring sprinkler system check-ups and waterwise workshops.
The changes, which take effect from July 2028, are expected to save 70 gigalitres of water per year.
Since 1980, the water table has fallen by up to 10 metres - a 1,000GL loss of aquifer storage.
“The impacts of climate change, reduced rainfall and increased use have had a significant effect on Perth’s precious groundwater resources,” Mr Kelly said.
“We need to reduce our groundwater use in order to minimise the impact that climate change is having on our wetlands, bushland, street trees, recreational parks and groundwater quality.
"By everyone making small changes to how they use groundwater, we can deliver environmental benefits, provide industry with clarity and certainty, and protect this precious resource for future generations.”
