Portfolio — 24 August 2026

The Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Watt, used today's media releases to advance two resilience agendas: wildlife disease preparedness and regional water security in Western Australia. The announcements converge on a theme of proactive investment linking biosecurity and essential-services infrastructure for regional communities.

**Avian influenza preparedness**

Senator Watt announced that the government has invested $113 million in bird-flu preparedness, with an additional $24 million activated after the virus reached Australian shores [TA-260824-climat-224889e50c51]. Funding has supported seal and sea-lion population resilience, including veterinary interventions such as treating hookworm infections in pups. The minister said the government provides funding to states and territories for carcass clean-up, while biosecurity advice may recommend leaving dead animals in place where safe [TA-260824-climat-224889e50c51].

**Western Australian water security**

Senator Watt announced $901,000 for fifteen regional water-security projects in Western Australia under the Community Water Supplies Partnership and its Expansion program [TA-260824-climat-67a9df981c79]. The funding comprises $706,908 for twelve Round 6 projects and $194,483 for three Round 3 projects, covering solar-powered pumps, rainwater-harvesting systems, storm-water capture and mobile water-tanker assets.

Recipients will contribute more than $514,000 in cash and in-kind support. The program is jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook Labor governments through the National Water Grid Fund and the Western Australian Royalties for Regions initiative, targeting improved community water security, enhanced firefighting capability and reduced reliance on scheme water [TA-260824-climat-67a9df981c79].

**Other matters**

The minister confirmed the government is prepared to co-invest with SunRice on a new rice-processing plant, with SunRice seeking $15 million in matching funds, though no final amount has been set [TA-260824-climat-224889e50c51]. He reaffirmed that Australia's lobbyist rules require registration, disclosure and cooling-off periods for former officials and that these rules are actively enforced.

**Synthesis**

Today's announcements extend the portfolio's recent focus on accelerating environmental approvals and supporting community resilience. The wildlife disease and water-security measures together signal a resilience-first approach, positioning biosecurity and essential-services infrastructure as complementary investments in regional and ecological stability.