Water Corporation—Busselton Water—Grant schemes
Brief ministerial statement
Mr Don Punch (Bunbury—Minister for Water) (9:12 am): I am pleased to advise the house that the Water Corporation's longrunning Kimberley Community Grants scheme is set to hit a significant milestone this year, with the total amount awarded set to exceed $700,000. In the nine years since the scheme began, the partnership with the Lions Club of Broome has helped fund 118 incredibly important projects that make a genuine difference to communities across the region. In 2024, 13 projects shared in nearly $80,000, including the Broome-based Society for Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals, which used its grant to create a new central native plant nursery to grow climate-resilient plants. Once again, this year, Kimberley community groups, schools and not-for-profits have the opportunity to apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that uplift, empower and connect communities across the region. I am proud to report that the funds to support this program come courtesy of the sale of fodder grown from recycled water at Water Corporation's Broome North wastewater treatment plant. This is not only an environmentally sustainable way to reuse large volumes of treated wastewater, but also an opportunity for Water Corp to give back to the community. If a not-for-profit or school is looking for a helping hand with their next project, I strongly encourage them to consider applying, with just over eight days left to apply for the 2025 round of the Kimberley Community Grants scheme.
I also want to acknowledge Busselton Water's commitment to delivering programs and initiatives that connect with its customers and support the wider community. Last month, Busselton Water also launched its 2025 community partnership program, which supports local projects, events and activities, particularly those focused on water-use efficiency and quality, environmental sustainability, education, community connection, innovation and leadership. Over the past eight years, almost 45 local projects have shared in nearly $150,000 of funding through this fantastic initiative. In 2025, $50,000 is available in funding for local Busselton community organisations, volunteer groups, schools and sporting clubs, which are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $5,000.
In conclusion, I acknowledge both Water Corporation's and Busselton Water's grants schemes in the house today and recognise the value they deliver by creating positive change within our regional communities.
