McGowan Government on track to secure drinking water supply through new pipeline in Denmark

• Minister updates Denmark community on water security plans at public meeting
• In 2019 Denmark experienced one of the driest years on record
• Proposed Albany to Denmark pipeline route now available

The project to secure Denmark's long term water security has reached an important milestone this week with the proposed route of the pipeline released to the community for feedback.

The pipeline will connect Denmark to the Lower Great Southern Towns Water Supply Scheme (LGSTWSS) in Albany.

The proposed route will see the pipeline connect to the LGSTWSS at the Chorkerup Tank, 30 kilometres north of Albany, then follow the road reserve west along Wilcox Road, Redmond Road West, Kernutts Road, and a small section of Denmark-Mount Barker Road, connecting to the existing tank supplying water to Denmark at Scotsdale.

A local ecologist assisted in the development of the proposed route, conducting surveys of flora and fauna, and advising on issues such as rare flora identification, dieback and hygiene management plans and black cockatoo habitats. Landowners along the route have also been extensively consulted and helped identify the proposed route.

In September 2019, the McGowan Government took the necessary and urgent action to begin planning the pipeline in response to declining rainfall from climate change. The impacts mean the town's local dams can no longer be relied upon to supply the town in the longer term.

Minister Kelly updated Denmark residents on the project at a public meeting hosted by the Shire of Denmark last night (28 January). The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Shire of Denmark, Water Corporation and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The McGowan Government, through Water Corporation, is working with Denmark residents and businesses to help keep water use in check through the Waterwise Denmark Program.  This Program includes a free showerhead swap and a free home plumbing check to find and repair household leaks.

The community can provide feedback to the Water Corporation on the proposed pipeline route via its online engagement portal.

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"Denmark continues to be impacted by climate change, with the town experiencing one of the lowest rainfall years on record in 2019.

"The continued decline in rainfall led to the decision to build a pipeline to connect the town to a wider scheme and will be the best way to secure water in the longer term.

"Water Corporation has also been working closely with the Denmark community since September to look at ways of saving water, and the response has been outstanding.

"I welcomed the opportunity to update residents last night on our plans to secure Denmark's water supply, and congratulate everyone that has embraced the waterwise message.

"The Water Corporation now has a proposed pipeline route which the community can now provide their feedback on.

"I'm pleased that the proposed route has minimal impact on the local environment, with the proposed route fully along existing firebreaks, road reserves and open paddocks.

"The Water Corporation will continue to consult with the Shire of Denmark, City of Albany and community as plans continue to progress over the coming months."

Comments attributed to South West Region MLC Dr Sally Talbot:

"Last night's meeting showed how passionate Denmark people are about finding the right solution to securing our water supply.

"With the proposed pipeline route now available for public comment, I join the Minister in encouraging people to have their say.

"It's vital that we make these decisions based on the best science and advice available and it was good to see the community and the Government sharing information at last night's meeting."