The Australian Government is investing $108 million to improve water security and reliability across the country — delivering 40 new projects through the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said through this funding pathway, the Australian Government is investing in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories right across the country to improve water reliability and efficiency.
“The National Water Grid Connections is all about driving the construction of smaller-scale projects over the next two years to provide short-term economic stimulus,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant. Collectively, these projects are expected to support over 7000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.
“Up to 1175 jobs will be supported during construction, with over 2550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs set to be created nationally.
“Examples of projects being funded include construction of new off-stream storage dams and water pipelines, plus the construction of recycled water irrigation systems.”
Up to $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver projects over the next two years, with an Australian Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.
Joyce said funding was allocated in the 2021–22 Federal Budget, through the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund, to support smaller-scale water infrastructure projects that increase water availability and storage capacity.
“The best thing we can do for this country is ensure a secure future for water, our farmers and our regional communities that continue to drive our economic recovery,” he said.
“The $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund is paving the way to national water security, while promoting local economic activity and job creation along the way.”
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