Crucial water infrastructure funding up for grabs
Regional councils, irrigation companies, Aboriginal groups and science agencies have less than two weeks left to submit expressions of interest for the next round of National Water Grid funding to deliver priority water infrastructure projects in regional NSW.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment will assess the proposals for eligibility, identify those to support, and help shortlisted organisations develop formal funding applications for consideration by the Australian Government in the January 2024 funding round.
Funding proposals must demonstrate how projects will provide long-term benefits to water security, industry sectors including agriculture, regional economic development, water supply resilience or environmental outcomes.
Expressions of interest must be submitted to the NSW Government by 5 December to allow sufficient time for the Department to assist the proponent to prepare the application.
To submit an expression of interest or learn more, visit National Water Grid Authority.
The Australian Government, through the National Water Grid Fund (NWGF), is making funding available for priority water infrastructure projects to improve the reliability and security of water for Australia’s regional and remote towns, agriculture and primary industry sectors.
There is a dedicated commitment within the NWGF to support water infrastructure projects that support delivery of safe and reliable water in Aboriginal communities.
The NSW Government will manage the NWGF project proposal submission process with the Australian Government, working closely together to ensure water infrastructure investment decisions deliver social, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Lisa Hingerty, Acting Executive Director of Development, Department of Planning and Environment – Water:
“We want to hear from organisations with infrastructure plans that will boost drought resilience in our regions so that we can assist those shortlisted in putting together the strongest possible application to the Commonwealth and secure funding to get those projects off the ground.
“It could be dams, weirs, pipelines, recycling and desalination plants, irrigation modernisation or other works that improve the way we manage and use water.
“The funding is also eligible for scientific research to drive long-term, economically sound, environmentally sustainable and culturally responsive benefits for local communities.
“We know that navigating the application process can be complex and daunting for organisations which is why the NSW Government is here to guide them through the process and give them the best possible chance at success.”
