The Government will provide urgent funds to help secure water supplies in Western Australia by funding two major infrastructure projects under the recently announced Water for the Future plan.
Minister for Water, Penny Wong, said the government would bring down $35m in this year's budget for an initial contribution to the Harvey Water Piping Project in 2007-2008.
She said the project will help irrigators minimise seepage and evaporation and reduce water use by 30 per cent.
"This year alone it will save an estimated 17 billion litres, making significantly more water available for Perth households and businesses," Senator Wong said.
A further $6.6m has also been allocated for the Carnarvon Gascoyne Pressurised Irrigation System which improves irrigation efficiency by removing the need for double pumping.
Senator Wong said the investment in water systems in Western Australia reflected a "truly national approach" to securing future water supplies.