JOHN FORREST
The GCSAWA-driven Golf Course Water Wise Program has been developed as part of the state’s action plan to address water management issues in a drying climate
A
wise move I
n 2013, the Water Wise Golf Course Program kicked off in Western Australia, a joint initiative between the Golf Course Superintendents Association of WA (GCSAWA) and the WA Government’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. Facilitated by the golf course irrigation sector, the programme has developed a set of guidelines and targets aimed at achieving long-term water use efficiency to support and promote best irrigation practices. By doing so, the programme aims to provide security to the golf industry and provide support to participants to adapt to a drying climate. Led by the GCSAWA, the programme has been included within the Water Wise Perth Action Plan, an initiative by the WA Government and part of its coordinated 56
Starting this edition, ATM welcomes WA-based turf expert John Forrest to its panel of regular columnists. In this opening article, Forrest looks at the Water Wise Golf Course Program which forms part of Perth’s strategy plan to address increasing concerns of water use
AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 22.1
and improve efficiency.
response to the impacts of climate change that sets the direction for transitioning Perth to a leading waterwise city by 2030. The southwest of WA has had a 15 per cent decline in average annual rainfall since the mid-1970s due to climate change, with 2019 being the warmest year and second driest on record, rec eiving 49 per cent below average rainfall across the state. With pressures associated with climate change, coupled with anticipated population growth to top 3.5 million in the next 30 years, careful consideration and planning for the future of WA’s golf industry needs to be undertaken now. Improved irrigation efficiency practice is a big part of that planning for the industry’s security. With this in mind, Water Wise Golf Course Program co-ordinators are currently