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July 2008 |
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Gnangara Taskforce on boardCo-location to benefit Perth’s water supply The Gnangara groundwater system is the most valuable source of fresh water for the Perth metropolitan area and stretches from Ellen Brook in the east to the Swan River, west to the Indian Ocean and north to Gingin Brook. As well as providing about 60% of Perth’s drinking water it supports peri-urban horticulture, wetlands, water for parks and ovals, irrigation water for a third of Perth’s private lawns and gardens and water for industry. Landuses that intercept rainfall (such as pine plantations), a drying climate and increased demand have taken their toll on the Gnangara groundwater system. In an effort to secure the system’s future, the Gnangara Sustainability Strategy (GSS) has been formed.
The GSS is a Western Australian cross-government initiative working on an action plan that will help resolve inter-related land and water use conflicts on the Gnangara Mound. It will eventually develop recommendations on how best to manage land and water uses in a drying climate while protecting environmental values that can be maintained or enhanced under extreme pressures. To consolidate the research capacity in Western Australia, 8 staff from the WA State Government’s Gnangara Taskforce have re-located to CSIRO’s Centre for Environment and Life Sciences at Floreat. Together with the arrival of 16 climate and agricultural systems modelling staff from the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, this co-location signals the beginning of a proposed Floreat research precinct that will embody a 'power partnership' of key WA research organisations. The research precinct that will eventually see about 200 state government and university researchers working alongside some 300 CSIRO. This mutually beneficial arrangement will provide better access by State Government department’s to CSIRO’s national capabilities. For CSIRO it will provide a better path to research adoption. As well as attracting increased research investment to WA. The GSS will interact with relevant Water for a Healthy Country Flagship projects based at Floreat including:
GSS Project Director Dr Melanie Strawbridge from the WA Department of Water said proper management of Gnangara groundwater system was fundamental to Perth’s water future. “There is no question Perth is experiencing less rainfall and forecasts predict it is not likely to improve,” said Dr Strawbridge. “With our population expected to increase by 40 per cent by 2030 it is vital we recognise ways to best protect our existing water supply. “ These issues must be addressed to ensure the resource is safeguarded for future generations of West Australians. The GSS Taskforce will present a number of proposed land and water use options within a draft strategy in 2009. For more information visit: www.gnangara.water.wa.gov.au Contact:
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