The Albanese and Minns Governments are investing $16.3 million into jobs creation and community facilities in NSW's Southern Basin as part of a program to build new employment opportunities, business innovation and tourism.
An agreement announced in December last year between the governments saw the provision of $160 million, to be administered by the NSW Government, for investing in the Murray-Darling Basin's local communities.
This first phase of targeted funding is for projects across eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) and is being provided for eight projects.
Priority has been given to shovel-ready projects that will provide economic development and diversification.
NSW Sustainable Communities Program Early Investment Round projects:
- $4 million for Ravensworth Feedlot to expand its capacity to 75,000 head of cattle.
- $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct including re-location of the works compound and construction of group accommodation for tourism.
- $3 million for Griffith City Council to beautify Griffith's CBD and improve local tourism sites.
- $2,000,040 for Leeton Shire Council to complete Stage 2 of the Roxy Theatre upgrade and establish the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts.
- $1,078,164 for Murray River Council to redevelop sites in Moama CBD to improve access and help attract new businesses.
- $1 million for SunRice to upgrade sheds and roads at its Leeton distribution centre.
- $731,331 for Balranald Shire Council to activate a regional Heritage and Cultural Trail with signage and audio-visual technology and upgrades to Lake Benanee campground.
- $493,110 for Carrathool Shire Council to upgrade infrastructure at Hillston Caravan Park.
As a result of the funding, capacity at the Ravensworth Feedlot will be expanded from 50,000 to 75,000 head of cattle, significantly boosting output and creating 30 new jobs in Hay.
One of the region's major employers SunRice will use their funds to upgrade facilities including shed structures and roadways, enabling warehousing and distribution operations to remain in the region and supporting up to 90 jobs.
Leeton's Roxy Theatre will establish the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts by enhancing their facility to enable more creative industry programs and functions that can build stronger opportunities for the local community and attract visitors. The funds will deliver a new theatrette, upgraded education workshop spaces, and gaming and digital development spaces.
The program is an important part of the Basin Plan's commitment to supporting strong, resilient communities alongside healthy rivers and sustainable industries.
Allocation of the remaining funding to support Basin communities will be informed by consultation and feedback gathered through roundtables, stakeholder group sessions, and the NSW Government Have Your Say survey, with further details to be announced soon.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said:
"This investment is a key initiative under our Government's $300 million assistance package for Murray-Darling Basin communities, which is designed to minimise the potential social and economic impacts of water recovery measures.
"We've said from the start that the Murray−Darling Basin Plan will be delivered in a way that balances the needs of our communities, industries and environment.
"Part of this commitment means creating the right support networks, jobs, and infrastructure for our communities before any impacts are felt.
"I thank NSW for their ongoing collaboration in delivering the Basin Plan to ensure our NSW Basin communities can look to the future with confidence.
"And I look forward to continuing to work with our other Basin states in rolling out this program in its entirety."
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is standing with Southern Basin communities by delivering funding that will generate jobs, boost economic growth and help shield them from the effects of water recovery measures, including water buybacks."
"While we don't support water buybacks, we are determined to ensure local industries and towns have the infrastructure, equipment and opportunities they need to stay strong and competitive.
"This initial round of funding is a direct response to what we've heard from locals, and I congratulate the successful applicants for stepping forward with projects that will protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience."
"This is just the beginning, with further support to follow across the NSW Basin to ensure that the impacts of the Australian Government's water purchasing is offset across exposed communities."
SunRice Group CEO, Paul Serra said:
"This funding is a welcome boost for the SunRice Group and the local Riverina economy impacted by water reform. By upgrading our Leeton distribution centre, we're helping protect local jobs and industry, making sure rice grown in the Riverina reaches markets reliably, and creating flow-on benefits for local businesses and the community.
"The investment will further strengthen the resilience of our supply chain and enhance Leeton's place at the heart of Australia's rice industry, helping to make the town an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit through the enhancements to the site."
Leeton Shire Council Mayor, George Weston said:
"We thank the NSW Government for its welcome investment into Leeton's Roxy Community Theatre through the Sustainable Communities Early Investment Round.
"This funding will see the full vision of the Roxy Community Theatre Masterplan realised, adding back several elements we had to value-out originally and, most importantly, helping to set up the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA) - an educational centre that will enable industry-specific training and mentoring for young people wanting to pursue careers in the arts."
