Horticulture production in the Gascoyne is set to expand over the coming months, as the first four of 22 new production bores come into operation to boost the water supply for irrigated agriculture.
The State Government has invested an additional $400,000 to bring the initial bores online early to supply 1.9 gigalitres per year, increasing potential agriculture production in the Carnarvon horticulture district.
The four bores are part of the new northern borefield to increase the total water supply by four gigalitres/annum and pave the way for an additional 400 hectares of horticultural land.
A 24.5 kilometre pipeline will deliver water from the new northern borefield, supported by a reliable, efficient and cost-effective electric power supply.
Once fully operational, the new production bores will open the way to new investment in the Gascoyne, adding potentially $35 million to the value of production.
The funding will also support a sand spear trial to test water quality and the suitability of accessing water when the Gascoyne River flows.