Wickered project sprouts in Lincoln water partnership

An abundance of healthy and fresh fruit and veggies will soon be sprouting for those less fortunate in Port Lincoln as the result of a new water efficiency gardening project supported by SA Water's 2019 Community Partnerships Program.

Partnering with Centacare Catholic Country SA, the $8,000 in support will help install wicking garden beds to grow fresh produce for people in need, while promoting environmentally responsible water use.

SA Water's $75,000 Community Partnerships Program supports local community groups deliver events and projects that aim to foster a better life across regional and metropolitan South Australia.

SA Water's General Manager Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson said the raised wicking beds draw from a self-watering reserve in the base to reduce water lost through evaporation.

"There are a number of benefits to watering fruit and vegetable plants from below, as it allows the soil to retain and use water more efficiently while distributing moisture evenly throughout the plant roots," Anna said.

"It's difficult to comprehend that regional Australians are more than 30 per cent more likely to have experienced food insecurity in the last year compared with people in capital cities, and this project is a great example of how community groups like Centacare are looking to overturn this statistic while also encouraging water savings.

"This project will make a real difference for those doing it tough on the Eyre Peninsula, and we're really excited to work with Centacare in getting the garden established and sprouting within the coming months."

The project is one of 11 successful recipients of this year's Community Partnerships Program, which saw overwhelming interest from community groups with ideas involving water or water use for a better life.

"We had more than double the number of applications than for our 2018 program and narrowing the field down to our final list of projects was tough given the amazing range of community groups and events," Anna said.

"It's clear that so many of our customers have amazing ideas and events that make a difference to the lives of others in the community, and we can't wait to support this group of worthy recipients throughout the next year as their events and programs come to fruition."

To see the full list of successful recipients of the 2019 Community Partnerships Program, visit sawater.com.au.

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