By David Kavanagh | posted on January 9, 2020
DENMARK residents will have a chance to have their say about a proposed water pipeline from Albany to Denmark during a Shire-hosted community meet later this month.
Water Minister Dave Kelly and Member for Warren-Blackwood Terry Redman will attend the January 28 consultation, more than four months after the Shire requested they visit to discuss the town’s long-term water security.
Mr Kelly has faced criticism for postponing a meeting originally scheduled for December 10 and for announcing the $32m pipeline project without first consulting the Shire and the City of Albany (‘Kelly transparent on water meeting’, 12 December).
Denmark Shire Acting CEO David Schober, who previously expressed disappointment at the delay, said the new meeting date was locked in in late December.
“We have enjoyed some discussions with the Water Corporation as a result of this request to the Minister’s Office,” he said.
“The Department of Water and Water Corp will both be present for this meeting.”
The Albany to Denmark pipeline is expected to be roughly 60km long and will begin construction sometime this year.
It was announced last September alongside a raft of Stage 5 water restrictions for Denmark and after the town’s primary water source, the Quickup Dam, looked to receive its lowest stream flow ever.
“Like many parts in the south-west of Western Australia, Denmark simply doesn’t receive the amount of rain that it used to due to the very real impact of climate change,” Mr Kelly said at the time.
“Denmark’s water supply is solely reliant on rainfall. If we don’t act now, Denmark could run out of water before next winter.”
As of January 3, the Quickup Dam measured just below 70 per cent capacity.
The upcoming consultation may also address other potential water saving strategies, including rainwater harvesting, water catchment and dam expansion and a desalination plant.
It will take place at the Riverside Club at 3 Morgan Road from 6pm on January 28, with residents urged to submit their RSVP and questions to the Shire by January 21.
