$108 million will be used to deliver 40 new projects through the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway to improve water security and reliability across Australia.
Through the National Water Grid Connections, the Australian Government is investing in the states and territories’ water infrastructure projects.
“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,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
Minister Joyce said that the cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant as the 40 new projects that will be funded under it will support over 7,000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. The projects will also allow an additional 13,000 customers to benefit from improved water security or reliability.
Over 1,175 jobs will be supported during the construction of these projects, with over 2,550 currently ongoing. It is also expected that over 500 more seasonal jobs will be created across the country.
Some of the projects that are being funded under the pathway include the construction of new off-stream storage dams and water pipelines and the construction of recycled water irrigation systems.
Over $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver their projects for over the next two years, with an Australian Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.
Minister Joyce said the funding was allocated in the 2021–22 Federal Budget through the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund. The National Water Grid Fund will help 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,” Minister Joyce 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.”
SOURCE: MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE, TRANSPORT AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT MEDIA RELEASE