The southern Murray-Darling Basin will benefit from a new investment of $50 million funding 20 business projects that aim to create and retain 624 jobs in the local economy.
These projects are funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the NSW Government, through the $160 million NSW Sustainable Communities Program's Business and Industry Round.
The projects will boost local businesses, so that existing jobs are protected and new ones created to support communities as they adjust to the Australian Government's water recovery program.
A full list of the 20 successful projects is attached and includes:
- Yurunga Farms will replace its ageing dairy at Blighty with a modern facility. The project will increase annual milk production from 18.4 million to up to 32 million litres without increasing its water allocation ($4.91 million).
- Wentworth Shire Council will upgrade water infrastructure across the Buronga-Gol Gol growth corridor to address barriers to economic growth and strengthen business confidence ($3.75 million).
- Crighton's Engineering will bring its two Hay depots together in a purpose-built facility. The project will deliver upgraded equipment and support economic diversification and local employment ($2.46 million).
- Quincey Jones Jelly Preserves Co. will upgrade its Moama food manufacturing facility with new cooking, processing, packaging and storage equipment. The project will increase production capacity ($176,731).
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"Today's announcement is about backing the future of businesses and industries in the Southern NSW Murray-Darling Basin to deliver 624 new jobs and maintain existing local jobs.
"This round of funding is responding to what we've heard from locals, and I congratulate the 20 successful applicants for stepping forward with projects that have stood up to protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience
"These projects all support local businesses in the Southern Basin to increase their productivity, explore new opportunities and build long-term resilience in the face of challenges.
"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.
To learn more about the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program, visit DCCEEW Sustainable Communities Program.
