Media Statements - New pipeline brings benefits to Wheatbelt communities (with pic.)

31/10/00

More than 100 farmers, volunteers and Water Corporation employees have completed the Kondinin to Hyden Pipeline and the North Karlgarin Pipeline Extension projects.

The two projects have been completed under the Government’s Rural Water Supply Improvement Program, which was launched in 1997 to provide a reliable water supply to rural and remote areas of Western Australia.

They were officially opened by Deputy Premier and Regional Development Minister Hendy Cowan in Hyden today.

The projects, which cost $3.9 million, will augment the existing water supplies to the towns of Hyden and Karlgarin as well as 43 farming properties in the region.

They were funded by the farming community contributing one-third of the cost and the State Government the remainder.

Mr Cowan unveiled three plaques to commemorate the opening of the projects. One is attached to a new drinking fountain at the Hyden Information Bay where the official ceremony took place and the others will be placed at the Tolland Road community tank in North Karlgarin and the Karlgarin Town Pioneer Park.

“Both projects only proceeded because the local communities were prepared to make significant contributions in cash, labour and equipment,” the Minister said.

“There is little doubt that there is a far greater sense of achievement when the very people who will benefit from the work, actually get involved and make it happen.

“The project began with the establishment of two committees, one for the Kondinin/Hyden project and the other for the North Karlgarin extension.

“In August 1999 the two committees joined forces to achieve economies using the same contracts and project management.”

Before commencing work on the project, farmers and volunteers were required to participate in an induction and safety awareness program. This was a great success as more than 129km of pipeline was laid without accidents or injuries.

“Those involved have demonstrated that by working together they have built a better community in the Shire of Kondinin,” Mr Cowan said.

So far, a total of 25 pipeline extension projects have been approved under the Rural Water Supply Improvement Program at a cost of almost $24 million. They have provided water services to more than 430 farms directly and a much larger number indirectly through standpipes and tanks.

Mr Cowan commended the Water Corporation and Water Resources Minister Kim Hames for the initiative, which had brought a greater degree of certainty to country communities in relation to water supplies.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595

Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan (left) and chairman of the Kondinin-Hyden Pipeline Committee, Barry James, at Lynch's Hill tank.

Alternate image text

Mr Cowan (left), and Water Corporation Chairman Peter Jones (right) watch as Barry James turns on the tap at Pioneer Park in Hyden, bringing piped water to the town.