Local government water conservation and water quality projects will benefit from a $600,000 State Government commitment to continue funding of the Western Australian Water Campaign.
The Australia-New Zealand branch of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, in conjunction with the WA Local Government Association and the WA Government, conducts the Water Campaign.
Water Resources Minister John Kobelke announced the three-year grant at a breakfast before the Local Government Managers Australia National Congress at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.
"The Water Campaign is an international freshwater management program that helps local governments reduce water consumption and improve local water quality," Mr Kobelke said.
"Local governments play a major role in land use planning, are highly significant users of water and key stakeholders in water re-use initiatives. They have great potential for leadership in water use and public education.
"Currently, the Water Campaign has 75 local government participants across Australia, 20 of which are in WA."
Mr Kobelke said local governments had improved groundwater management and implemented water efficient gardening and irrigation techniques, as well as wastewater re-use, Water Sensitive Urban Design initiatives, stormwater treatment for wetlands and had fitted council buildings with water-efficient taps and toilets.
ICLEI and the WA Department of Water were working together to develop a pilot water conservation plan for local government, initially involving the Mandurah and Stirling councils.
The Minister today presented awards to six councils for reaching milestones in the Water Campaign.
The shires of Augusta-Margaret River, Capel and Harvey, and the cities of Melville, Perth and South Perth received 'corporate' and/or 'community' milestone awards.
Certificates were also presented to the cities of Bayswater, Bunbury and Subiaco for making formal commitments to participate in the Water Campaign.
