Western Australian Golf Courses recognise reality of climate change

August 30, 2024

The reality of climate change is that we all need to adopt waterwise practices and it's impressive to see a number of Western Australian golf courses leading by example.

Five Western Australian golf courses have now been recognised for their efforts as part of the Waterwise Golf Program - a joint initiative between the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Western Australia and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

The Waterwise Golf Program is also a specified action under the State Government's Kep Katitjin - Gabi Kaadadjan - Waterwise Perth Action Plan 2, which is supporting the establishment of world-leading waterwise communities in Perth and Peel by 2030.

Wembley Golf Course has become the first golf club under the revised Waterwise Golf Program to be awarded silver level accreditation, demonstrating advanced management and planning skills in water consumption, system auditing, and improved turf management to reduce water demand.

The Carramar and Wanneroo Golf Courses, and The Western Australian Golf Club, have received bronze level accreditation, showcasing their commitment to sustainable water use and irrigation efficiency.

This is the second tranche of golf clubs to join Wembley and Hartfield Golf Clubs achieving bronze level accreditation under the program since its review in 2019, meeting the required water budgeting, licence compliance, and water conservation planning criteria.

These golf courses are located within the Gnangara groundwater area, which supplies more than 40% of Perth's drinking water, irrigation for one-in-four household bores and almost all water for sports and green recreational spaces.

By securing this precious groundwater in a drying climate through efficient and sustainable water management practices, we can all help to create a liveable, sustainable, productive and resilient Perth for the long term.

WA Water Minister Simone McGurk notes "the reality of climate change is that we all need to adopt waterwise practices and it's great to see these golf courses leading by example.

"The Waterwise Golf Program provides support to golf course irrigation operators on managing water use efficiently - developing an electronic portal for participants with a digital guidance manual on how to do the work and meet accreditation.

"There are currently 15 golf courses within the program seeking accreditation under the bronze level and I encourage other golf courses to make use of the program. I encourage other golf courses to make use of the program and support irrigation going forward."

For more information on the Waterwise Golf Program and its importance for sustainable water use, please visit gcsawa.com/

Image top. Wembley Golf Course; Image above.The Western Australian Golf Club

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