NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty, has today announced $15 million in support for communities in the Southern Basin negatively affected by the Federal Government’s water buybacks.
Minister Moriarty made the announcement in Griffith today as part of wider ongoing consultation with communities affected by the buyback program.
The Minister also met with business leaders from across the Riverina in Griffith at a roundtable concerned about the program.
The $15 million is the first round of funding under the $160 million program which will deliver targeted support to affected communities, said Mr Moriarty.
“The NSW Government is committed to getting money out the door as fast as possible to support NSW Basin communities against the impacts of water recovery measures, including the Australian Government’s water buybacks,” she said.
“While we don’t support water buybacks, we do believe that investing in infrastructure and programs to support local business and industry is crucial to building strong, vibrant regional communities.”
Minister Moriarty said the initial round of funding is designed to provide immediate support to create jobs and boost local economies and will be targeted to the nine Local Government Areas of Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River and Murrumbidgee.
‘This first $15 million of funding gives communities the opportunity to get on the front foot. I encourage organisations based in the nine eligible Local Government Areas to take advantage of this first round of funding that will support them to grow and thrive well into the future,” she said.
Organisations eligible for the Early Investment Round can apply for $50,000 to $1 million for programs, initiatives and capital investment projects and between $250,000 to $4 million for infrastructure projects. Funding will be rolled out until the $15 million is exhausted.
Projects that would be considered for funding could include enabling infrastructure or technology upgrades to support business, plant and equipment for increased productivity or targeted workforce skills and capability development programs.
At today’s roundtable, representatives from the region’s business community provided feedback about the types of investments that could support them to create and retain jobs.
The meeting is part of a wider consultation process aimed at helping the NSW Government understand the needs of Basin communities and will inform the roll out of future financial support.
“We look forward to working with Government to ensure that the funding helps to build capability and capacity in our local business community,” said Regional Director Business NSW, Serena Hardwick.
“Investment to assist businesses in the region increase productivity, foster innovation and commercialise their research and development will not only see benefit to our local economy but contribute to the economy.
“With a large skill and workforce gap, this is an opportunity for us to consider how we can, as business, foster a skilled future workforce and rewarding career pathways with this investment.”
The Government says it will continue to consult widely, with further roundtables planned throughout the Southern Basin, to understand community priorities and the investments needed to strengthen local economies exposed to water recovery measures.
The remaining $145 million under the Sustainable Communities Program will be available for all exposed and vulnerable NSW Basin communities. This support is expected to commence in the 25/26 financial year, after detailed consultation with these communities occurs.
For more information on the Early Investment Round and to apply, visit nsw.gov.au/scp.
