Water
$700K to target tidal movements research
ABC
A new study of tidal movements along the north-west Western Australian coast is underway to help protect reef systems in the area.
The Australian Research Council has allocated $700,000 to the project, which will focus on the interaction of tides and reef systems between Ningaloo Reef and Camden Sound.
A marine scientist at the University of Western Australia, Ryan Lowe, will head the five-year study.
Study probes gas hub site aquifers
ABC
A study of groundwater aquifers has wrapped up at the site chosen for the proposed Kimberley gas hub.
Woodside has commissioned the study to determine the geological structures and groundwater supplies around James Price Point, where it plans to process Browse Basin gas.
‘Excitement’ over Kimberley dam potential
ABC
The head of a taskforce investigating the possibility of building dams in northern Australia says the Kimberley has huge potential.
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott formed the group in January – it will look at ways of boosting agricultural production and utilising empty land in the north.
This week, the group, chaired by the Coalition’s finance spokesman, Andrew Robb, visited Derby, Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing and several pastoral stations.
Opposition plan for potential dams in the north
ABC
The federal Opposition says it is preparing a list of potential new dam sites to take to the next federal election with major opportunities in the country’s north.
The chair of its dams and water management taskforce, Andrew Robb, is in the Kimberley this week looking at proposals such as a dam on the Margaret River near Fitzroy Crossing.
Mr Robb says it has “magnificent potential”.
He says previous water taskforces have failed to realise the true opportunities in northern Australia.
Minister dismisses Kimberley water plan
DANIEL MERCER
The West Australian
State Water Minister Bill Marmion has dismissed plans to bring water from the Kimberley to Perth, saying there is a “misconception” the northern region holds “oodles” of water.
Rice a shining light in a disastrous year for Ord Valley growers
ABC News
Statistics released by the WA Department of Agriculture and Food shows irrigated agriculture in the Kimberley’s Ord Valley had one of its worst years on record in 2010.
The value of agricultural production slumped to $31 million, its lowest in over a decade, and half of what the Ord achieved in 2006.
Barnett’s pipe dream for taking water from the Kimberley:huge burden on taxpayers, devastation for the Fitzroy River
ENVIRONS KIMBERLEY
Media Release
The news that WA Premier Barnett has put a Kimberley pipeline back on the political agenda shows that he has failed to deliver his promise for a long term plan on water for the State, Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard said in Broome today.
“This idea has had more starts than Pharlap, but fans of a pipeline, led by the Premier have yet to demonstrate the viability of this proposal. That the north is wet and the south dry is no reason to build an inefficient canal or pipe the length of the state,” Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard said today. For full release click here»
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