MINGENEW residents are concerned that the water allocation process in WA is inadequate and a different system needs to be established.
Karara Mining Limited has applied for a licence to use the remaining 5.3 gigalitres, or 86 per cent, of the water in the Parmelia aquifer.
But residents in the Mingenew region are concerned that a company or person shouldn't be allowed to apply for such a large amount of water, if there is to be any left for future use.
Member for the Agricultural Region Mia Davies recently tabled a petition signed by 175 concerned residents in relation to water licensing in the Mingenew region.
The petition, drafted by local farmer Peter Horwood, asks the Legislative Council to consider the environmental risk and the impact on agricultural and non-agricultural diversification if the quantity of water applied for under a water licence is used.
The public submission period for the issue has been extended until the end of January and the decision should be made by the Water Minister Graham Jacobs sometime in the second quarter of 2011.
Mingenew residents are remaining hopeful that the licence won't be granted but the iron ore company is confident and expects to be awarded a licence.
Despite the Department of Water not yet issuing Karara Mining with a license, the company has commenced work on the pipeline that will enable it to access water from a Mingenew aquifer.
Mr Horwood, who runs a mixed farming enterprise on 3000 hectares in Mingenew, said the main issue was that Karara Mining was applying for all the remaining water, not the fact that it was a mining company applying for it.
"Their application is 100 per cent of the remaining water in the Parmelia aquifer," Mr Horwood said.
"We are dealing with a finite resource; I think there has to be a better system in place,"
Some of Mr Horwood's property lies on the Parmelia aquifer and, even though he doesn't have a plan in place, he has thought about diversifying into horticultural production in the future.
"Even if Karara gets half of what they are applying for, will there be enough water for a horticulture precinct in the area?" he said.
"It will stop any future development of anything in the area."
Mr Horwood said he didn't think there was enough water to meet the demand for water in the Mid West region.
He said not enough research had been done on the Parmelia aquifer and more background information would help make better decisions.
He said the public submission period should be put back even further until the middle of February, after more research was done.
"There needs to be a consultation period," he said.
"The general public still needs answers and we still haven't seen the mining company's report."
Ms Davies also said the current system was causing some concern and Mingenew community members were worried about future water use.
"From their perspective they need to see a plan so that water allocation isn't just made on a first come first served basis, without any thought as to what might happen in the future," Ms Davies said.
"Residents see that there are opportunities for horticulture development in that area and want to make sure that there is water there in the future for agricultural and horticultural purposes.
"It's about making sure we can make a living out there.
"The value that we put on water now is probably a lot higher than when the system was first put in place."
Ms Davies said the petition had demonstrated that there was some community concern about water use and said it was an important tool for members of the public to raise issues in Parliament.
After the petition is presented, it will be referred to the Environment and Public Affairs Committee for consideration and report.
Ms Davies has a meeting with the Water Minister Graham Jacobs in the middle of January to discuss the issue.
