• Local communities hit by water recovery to put forward projects creating jobs in their regions
• Helping diversify Basin economies
• Provides up to $20 million over 4 years to 2021-22 to boost communities most impacted by water recovery under the Basin Plan
Member for Barker Tony Pasin has announced two $500,000 grants for the Coorong District Council through the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
Installation of a new jetty at Meningie to allow low water level access for 16 boats is hoped to increase business activity and community resilience, while the creation of approximately 6km of walking trails in the Raukkan community and the employment of an Aboriginal trainee tourism officer will bring enhanced tourism opportunities in the region.
Mr Pasin said the funding would help create sustainable long-term jobs in communities where water recovery has hit local economies.
“Water recovery has hurt communities,” Mr Pasin said.
“Investing in these projects is by no means a silver bullet. It something we’re doing to assist.
“It will help diversify the lower lakes economy, giving a boost to communities most impacted by water recovery under the Basin Plan.
“I will continue to advocate for an interconnector between Lake Albert and the Coorong that will help deliver environmental water into the basin, reduce salinity in the lower lakes and reduce the need for buybacks. Until then, diversifying local economies will help sustain them into the future,” Mr Pasin said.
Fast Facts:
· This program is part of the ‘Basin Plan Commitments Package’ announced on 7 May 2018.
· The ‘Basin Plan Commitments Package’ is a $3.3 billion package of initiatives as part of its investment of more than $13 billion to implement the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
Charlotte Edmunds
