Joint media release: Backing SA Basin communities to save precious River Murray water
$32 million of Australian Government funding to boost water savings in the Murray-Darling Basin. Salisbury, Charles Sturt, Playford, Marion and Onkaparinga councils and the Eastern Region Alliance Water - which is a joint venture between Burnside, Norwood, Payneham and St Peters, and Walkerville councils - have received funding under the South Australian Alternative Water Supply Efficiency Measures (AWSEM) Program.
The AWSEM Program supports local governments to build infrastructure that reduces the amount of water they draw from the River Murray. The projects will allow councils to use alternative water sources – such as captured storm water or treated wastewater – to offset industrial use and irrigate parklands and ovals helping to save potable water and improve water security for green areas under a drying climate.
New stormwater harvesting, upgraded infrastructure networks and an expanded water capture basin in Adelaide’s north are among the measures set to be rolled out by the end of 2027. The program will generate up to 1,890 megalitres (ML) of water savings across the six projects, and contribute 1,769 ML of South Australian River Murray High Security entitlements towards the Basin Plan’s 450 gigalitre water target to enhance environmental outcomes for the Murray-Darling Basin.
The AWSEM Program is funded through the Australian Government Resilient Rivers Program, which supports initiatives to improve and modernise water delivery infrastructure and reduce water losses in the Basin. The South Australian Government will run the program in partnership with South Australian local government authorities and other stakeholders. More information is available here: Department for Environment and Water - Alternative Water Supplies Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt: “We’ve said from the start that we will use all the tools at our disposal to balance the needs of our communities, our industries and our environment.
“In a climate where every drop is precious, alternative water sources are a crucial part of diversifying and strengthening Australia’s water security. “All three levels of government are working together to contribute to our shared environmental goals. “The Albanese Government will continue to work with communities in all corners of the Murray-Darling Basin as we finalise the Basin Plan and get our river systems back on track.” Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Emily Bourke: “The Albanese and Malinauskas Governments are working together to support local governments and Basin communities to secure our state’s future water supplies.
“Councils have a vital role to play in reducing reliance on the River Murray and to make better use of all available water sources, including for irrigation and green space. “A healthy, flowing Murray is critical to our environment and this program is another step to continue the progress made.” Projected water savings Description of projects City of Salisbury $13,201,959 Commission stormwater harvesting at Bellchambers Road New small-scale infrastructure to desalinate brackish groundwater for industrial uses.
City of Charles Sturt Extension of existing water infrastructure networks to priority open spaces in the City of Charles Sturt, including extending the network into some Port Adelaide Enfield Council sites. City of Playford Provide water to 18 public open spaces and sports grounds via upgraded and extended irrigation infrastructure. Expand the council’s Andrews Farm water capture basin.
Expanding an existing pump station at Mofflin Reserve in Elizabeth. City of Marion Delivery of an extension of an existing Managed Aquifer Recharge stormwater network from Marion Golf Club to Majors Road Soccer Club via a new booster pump and header tank. City of Onkaparinga To deliver the Onkaparinga Recycled Water Project by expanding the Christies Creek Scheme to increase recycled water yield, connect additional irrigation sites, and enhance supply reliability.
Eastern Region Alliance (ERA) Water To increase the capacity of the existing ERA Water aquifer recharge and stormwater harvesting scheme and connecting the scheme to new sites where We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.