The state government has called for expressions of interest for pilot water projects and associated works in the Pilbara worth up to $2.5 million a piece as part of the $300 million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.
The state government has called for expressions of interest for pilot water projects and associated works in the Pilbara worth up to $2.5 million a piece as part of the $300 million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.
Full announcement below:
$2.5million for Pilbara water projects
Portfolio: Regional Development
The State Government has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for pilot water projects and associated works in the Pilbara as part of the $300million Royalties for Regions Pilbara Revitalisation Plan.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said $2.5million was available through the EOI process.
"The money is to test the feasibility of projects making the best use of water resources and will contribute to economic diversification in the Pilbara region," Mr Grylls said.
"The State Government is looking for funding proposals for projects that help create secondary economies, including agricultural and silviculture development and indigenous capacity building within the Pilbara hinterland.
"We are particularly interested in projects that partner with industry, stimulate local economies and maximise indigenous training, employment and business opportunities."
The EOI call followed the release of the Pilbara Water Prefeasibility Study, which identified water source options and opportunities in the region.
The Minister said the study identified options, including the use of excess water from mining operations, supplementary bore field development and pipeline construction to integrate source with demand.
Mr Grylls said the $2.5million allowed the testing of some of the options and be made available as grant amounts in three project categories:
§ $10,000 - $50,000 (small)
§ $50,001 to $250,000 (medium)
§ $250,001 and above (big).
It was proposed the maximum available grant would be $500,000 (excluding GST). However, amounts of more than $500,000 might be considered if a project demonstrated exceptional merit.
"The Pilbara Revitalisation Plan is an exciting initiative to modernise and transform the region's communities," the Minister said.
"Phase One of the plan is under way and focuses on the four key delivery areas of health, energy, water and community development.
"The EOI process aims to identify the interest of qualified private and public organisations to deliver small or major pilot water projects, with a view to further developing these as part of the overall vision for the Pilbara."
Information about the EOI process is available on the Department of Regional Development and Lands website at http://www.rdl.wa.gov.au
Expressions of Interest close at 2pm WST on Monday, December 7, 2009.
