Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
Clare Scriven MLC, South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development
Lucy Hood MP, South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water
South Australia's River Murray communities are set to benefit from a $20 million grant program opening today.
The funding will ensure that as water is vitally recovered under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, communities along the river system continue to thrive.
The South Australian Sustainable Communities Program is funded through the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program, which has been established to support community transition as additional water is recovered to enhance environmental outcomes in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The program's first round offers two types of grants:
- Investment Feasibility grants that support early-stage work such as feasibility studies and planning to develop investment-ready proposals with the intent to apply for implementation funding in round 2.
- Investment Ready grants fund projects that are shovel-ready economic opportunities in eligible South Australian River Murray communities.
Grants will fund projects that drive economic diversification, innovation and growth, enhance liveability and bolster community resilience in South Australia's most vulnerable River Murray communities.
Investment will be targeted and outcome-focused to meet the unique needs of South Australia's most affected River Murray regions.
Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) is leading the program's delivery on behalf of the Government of South Australia. For Sustainable Communities Program grant guidelines, eligibility and application details, visit the PIRSA website.
Applications for the first round of Sustainable Communities Program grants are now open and will close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"We're backing River Murray communities with targeted investment to create jobs, stimulate growth, and strengthen long-term resilience.
"The Sustainable Communities Program builds on the work both levels of government are doing to ensure a strong, healthy river system for the future through the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
"We're committed to restoring our rivers while ensuring regional communities are supported along the way."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven:
"A healthy River Murray is vital to the South Australian agribusinesses, communities and environment that rely on it and it is central to the economy and growth of our state.
"The Sustainable Communities Program will help address the social and economic impacts of the Commonwealth's water recovery and support the most vulnerable communities to prepare for a future with less water.
"This is a proactive opportunity to strengthen regional businesses and economies across South Australia's River Murray communities.
"With the first round of the Sustainable Communities Program now open, I encourage eligible applicants - whether their projects are shovel-ready or still in the planning stage - to take advantage of this important grant program."
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Lucy Hood:
"A healthy, flowing Murray is critical to our environment, economy, culture and community.
"River communities transitioning to a sustainable future will have access to new supports as we continue our efforts to restore the health of the Basin.
"Delivering the final 450 gigalitres committed under the Plan is essential to maintain key wetland refuges and prevent critical species loss during dry and very dry years.
"The appointment of South Australia's new River Murray Commissioner, Dr Emma Carmody, reinforces how determined we are to deliver meaningful outcomes."
