Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Tara Moriarty MP, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW
Senator for NSW, The Hon Deborah O'Neill
Communities in the southern Murray-Darling Basin in New South Wales will benefit from 14 new major infrastructure, community and economic development projects announced today, valued at $69 million, along with the opening of the next $50 million grant round.
Round 2 of the Sustainable Communities Program, funded by the Albanese Government and delivered by the Minns Government, will support job creation, workforce participation and long‑term resilience as the region adjusts to the impacts of the Australian Government's water recovery program.
A full list of successful projects is attached, and includes:
- Federation Council will begin work to replace ageing infrastructure in Howlong. The project will increase local water storage to 7 megalitres and upgrade the pump station. This vital enabling infrastructure project will assist council to meet housing demand and support population and business growth ($7.8 million).
- Griffith City Council will deliver new and upgraded roads in the Lake Wynganhousing precinct. These works will help to unlock 1,660 residential lots for development, Additional housing will allow people in Griffith to live affordably and closer to local jobs, supporting employers attract and retain staff ($5.56 million).
- The establishment of two hemp processing and manufacturing facilities at Barham and Carrathool to support the growth of the emerging hemp industry and support sustainable agriculture and jobs in the manufacture of hemp building products and textiles ($20 million).
- Edward River Council to construct the Perrin Park Early Learning Centre at Deniliquin. The purpose‑built service will deliver a 110‑place long day care centre, helping to strengthen local workforce participation ($4 million).
Today, applications also open for the next $50 million Business and Industry round of grants for the region, with Murray-Darling businesses encouraged to apply. Applications open 10 June at 12pm and close 3 August at 12pm.
This funding will provide grants between $100,000 to $5 million for projects that improve business and industry sustainability, retain and create local jobs and provide long-lasting benefits and economic growth for local communities.
This funding will support projects that help businesses and industries grow, boost local employment, upskill workers and support local communities to thrive.
Eligible projects could include:
- Expansion of existing, or construction of new, facilities to increase capability and production
- Introduction of new or advanced technologies, innovations or plant and equipment to encourage business growth
- Industry led programs that improve business operations or create access to new markets
- Programs to upskill workers to address the needs of local industries
- Upgrade or repurpose local buildings to increase economic activity.
The 12 Local Government Areas eligible to apply are:
- Balranald
- Berrigan
- Carrathool
- Edward River
- Federation
- Griffith
- Hay
- Leeton
- Murray River
- Murrumbidgee
- Narrandera
- Wentworth
To apply for the Business and Industry Round and for program updates, visit www.nsw.gov.au/scp
To learn more about the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program, visit www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/programs/open/sustainable-communities
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is backing communities in the southern Murray-Darling Basin with targeted investment to create jobs, stimulate growth, and strengthen long-term resilience.
"The science tells us that we need to recover water to secure the long-term environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin and the jobs and communities that rely on it.
"In delivering a healthy river system, we need to support communities to adjust, which is why we've committed a record $300 million in funding to help minimise social and economic impacts of water recovery, including $160 million for Basin communities in NSW.
"Today we see more of that funding reaching NSW communities, with more on the way through the next round."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:
"The $69 million in projects announced today, together with the new $50 million Business and Industry Round, represents a significant investment that will create jobs, attract skilled workers and drive the Murray-Darling regional economy.
"These investments are about backing local businesses, supporting regional jobs and building stronger, more sustainable communities for the future.
"This funding will help businesses increase productivity, diversify their operations, expand into new markets and invest in innovative projects that strengthen their long-term competitiveness and resilience.
"While the NSW Government remains opposed to water buybacks, we are committed to ensuring regional communities are well placed to seize every opportunity for economic growth and prosperity.
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW, Deborah O'Neill:
"It's great to see another $69 million hitting the ground for projects here in NSW.
"From early learning centres and housing project works to saleyards, these projects will breathe new life into their communities, and help to a deliver strong, sustainable region into the future.
"I'd strongly encourage communities to take a look at the eligibility and apply for a share of the next round of funding, which opens today."
