The confluence of the Darling (right) and Murray rivers at Wentworth in NSW. Photo: Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Riverina communities that rely on the Murray-Darling Basin are set to benefit from a share of $160 million for new jobs and an economic boost.
An agreement between the Australian and NSW governments will see the multi-million dollar investment flow to NSW communities in the Murray-Darling Basin to retain and create new jobs, establish new industries, support existing industries to diversify, and stimulate economic development informed by and supported by local communities.
NSW is the first state to access the Australian Government’s record $300 million Sustainable Communities Program, helping the NSW Government work directly with basin communities affected by voluntary water purchase.
The NSW Government will coordinate the $160 million in funding with local communities in NSW. The first phase of targeted funding for projects across nine eligible local government areas (LGAs) including Carrathool, Murrumbidgee, Balranald, Hay, Griffith, Leeton, Berrigan, Murray River, and Edward River is expected to start by June 2025.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the agreement allowed the NSW Government to invest in economic development to mitigate some of the socioeconomic impacts of the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Basin water buybacks.
“While our government does not support water buybacks, we will not miss an opportunity to invest in regional communities and better their economic well-being,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The NSW Government has been clear that the Murray-Darling Basin Plan delivery must be done in a way that has limited impact on local jobs and households and allows regional communities to prosper.
“We know that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work for distributing funding. Investments will be targeted and outcome focused to meet the unique circumstances and needs of individual basin communities.”
The NSW Government will continue consulting widely with basin communities to understand their priorities and the investments needed to strengthen the economies exposed to water recovery measures.
Priority will be given to shovel-ready projects and broadly supported investments that will provide economic development and diversification.
Under the agreement, the NSW Government will also receive an additional $16 million to support consultation with communities to deliver the program.
The Australian Government is working to recover 450 gigalitres of water to the basin including through voluntary water purchase and $494 million worth of water saving infrastructure projects.
In NSW, the $62 million Murrumbidgee Irrigation Urban Channel Pipelines Project has already received full approval and negotiations to fund three other projects are underway.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the Albanese Government was delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full in a way that supported the environment, communities and jobs – including in NSW.
“We’re providing a record $300 million package to mitigate any water recovery impacts and invest in basin communities for the long-term,” Ms Plibersek said.
“NSW is the first state to sign on to deliver the program that puts communities at the heart of deciding their own future.
“I commend Minister Moriarty for getting on with the job and putting her communities’ interests first.
“The NSW Government is rolling out this important program promptly, allowing early and comprehensive consultation, with any quick-win projects able to start delivering outcomes for communities on the ground.”
Ms Plibersek said the government continued to explore and prioritise all viable water recovery options to lessen the impact on communities and the irrigation sector.
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