Carnarvon in water rescue

The State Government has agreed to dig deeper for horticulturalists in Carnarvon facing big losses as they run out of water for their crops.
Agriculture Minister Ken Baston is fast-tracking a drilling program to install new bores for horticulturalists operating under water-use restrictions and battling salinity issues after a prolonged dry spell in the Gascoyne River catchment.
Mr Baston, who visited Carnarvon for crisis talks with growers this month, said $300,000 in funding would be brought forward to have two production bores ready by the New Year.
"Water supplies in the area haven't been adequately recharged since the floods in 2010-11 leading to real water shortages," he said. "On top of that, there are salinity issues in some aquifers, leaving some water unsuitable for irrigation."
Water Minister Terry Redman said the two new bores would deliver 2ML of water each day to minimise crop losses.
"Carnarvon is an important supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables for WA and it is crucial we take action to address the severe water issues in the region," Mr Redman said.
Brad Thompson
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