Water Management Challenges in Gingin’s Food-Growing Region

In a recent evaluation, the West Australian government has identified a significant reduction in surface water flows in Gingin, a key food-growing region north of Perth. The report revealed a 9% drop in annual rainfall and a 34% decline in summer streamflow in the Gingin Brook since 2011. In response, Water Minister Simone McGurk announced new water management measures, including potential reductions in water licence entitlements in a new water allocation plan expected by 2028. The Shire of Gingin has called for improved monitoring of water usage, expressing concerns over the impact on local ecosystems and agricultural operations. Meanwhile, the state government is working to mitigate water usage by halting water trading in certain areas and reclaiming unused water allocations. Groundwater extraction for bottled water, although minimal at 0.34%, has also raised concerns among local stakeholders.