The Kemerton groundwater subareas water management plan area is located approximately 117 km south of Perth . The plan area covers over 376 km2 of the Swan Coastal Plain, with the western half characterised by three sets of stabilised dunes that run parallel to the coast, and the eastern half by flat alluvial plain.
Ground water resources in the plan area
The Kemerton groundwater subareas water management plan covers parts of the groundwater resources of the Bunbury, and South West Coastal groundwater areas. The Kemerton groundwater area is divided into the Myalup, Wellesley, Kip North, Kip South and Australind subareas shown in the map below.
The groundwater in the Kemerton subareas is divided into four distinct groundwater resources based on the hydrogeology of the Yarragadee, Leederville, Cattamarra Coal Measures aquifers and the Superficial aquifer
Water planning in the Kemerton area
We have completed an allocation plan for the groundwater resources in the Kemerton groundwater area. The Kemerton groundwater subareas water management plan was released in December 2007.
The plan contains allocation limits that define how much water can be abstracted from the water resource units each year. It includes policies for how we will allocate and manage water resources and informs how we will monitor, measure and evaluate the objectives of the plan.
Why has the department prepared this water allocation plan?
The Kemerton Industrial Park was chosen by the government as a strategic industrial site for the South West region. The site was investigated to determine its potential to provide groundwater on a sustainable basis to potential industries located within the park. The investigations provided new information on the hydrogeology of the area, potential use of the groundwater and identification of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
Planning is needed to ensure that the water needs of the community and the environment are protected while providing users with secure water supplies.
How can I access any of the information on Kemerton that the department has produced?
We are committed to making our technical information, which was used in the planning process, available to the public on our website. The most recent reports can be seen via the publications area at the top right of this page.
Please click on the links to access the following documents:
Allocation plan and supporting documents
Kemerton groundwater subareas water management plan
Publish Date: 1/12/2007
Further information
For licensing information, please contact the Bunbury Regional office on 08 9726 4111, or visit the Water regions website
For planning information, please contact the Department of Water's Water Allocation Planning branch by phoning 08 6964 7600 or email allocationplanning@water.wa.gov.au