Information on a range of options for South-West irrigation was released in Bunbury today by Water Resources Minister Ernie Bridge.
Marking the completion of Phase Two of the Irrigation Strategy Study, the reports provide information on the economic, financial, social and environmental impact of 45 options for the future of the irrigation service.
Mr Bridge also launched the third phase of the comprehensive study and encouraged the community to take the opportunity to make submissions.
The Irrigation Strategy Study was commissioned to assist the State Government, the Water Authority, and irrigation farmers develop a strategy for future operation of the irrigation service.
Phase One, which was completed in June 1990, involved gathering background data and identifying issues. Phase Two has developed and evaluated various options.
"The widest possible range of options were identified at the start of Phase Two following community input from irrigators and other groups interested in the study," Mr Bridge said.
"The Phase Two reports do not recommend a particular plan of action. They simply present the effects of possible options so that individuals, community groups and organisations have the information they need to prepare submissions during Phase Three of the Study."
A consultative committee of irrigation farmers and representatives from the Water Authority, Department of Agriculture, and South West Development Authority guided the study through its first two phases, and Mr Bridge today thanked the committee, particularly farmer representatives, for their effort and commitment.
The Minister said public information days to discuss the Phase Two reports would be held in Harvey and Brunswick. He urged everyone likely to be affected by future irrigation decisions to attend.
"A summary of Phase Two will be sent to all irrigators in the South West Irrigation District," he said.
"I hope all affected will read the summary, attend the information days, and prepare submissions so that their voice can be heard and their opinions considered."
The Harvey session will be held at the Harvey Senior Citizens Centre at 9.30 am on Tuesday, December 8. Brunswick's session will be at the Brunswick Football Club at 9.30 am on Wednesday, December 9.
Mr Bridge said Phase Three should be completed by March next year. An independent Government task force would then use the information to draft a strategy for the Government as Phase Four of the Study.
The independent task force would be chaired by Dr Paul McLeod, senior lecturer in economics at the University of Western Australia, and supported by experts in the fields of agriculture, irrigation distribution and management, and natural resource management.
The resulting draft strategy would be released for further comment and review before its final adoption.
