APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING FOR DROUGHT AFFECTED REGIONS

Drought-stricken communities in Barker stand to potentially benefit from $72 million in water infrastructure funding for drought affected regions, following the Coalition Government’s release this week of Expressions of Interest (EOI) guidelines for the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund’s special drought round.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the drought round was announced in August 2018 as part of the Government’s $1.8 billion drought package and State and Territory Governments are now invited to apply for funding.

“Our Government is very much focused on making sure we are supporting our farming families, rural businesses and regional communities,” Mr Pasin said.

State Governments and their project partners are now invited to apply for a share of this funding, with the release of the EOI guidelines this week. The guidelines set out the process and requirements for submission and assessment of proposals for funding under the drought round.

The closing date for EOIs to be submitted is 11 December 2018. Projects must be supported by the relevant State or Territory Government Minister and be ready to progress to construction within 12 months of the closing date, to be considered for funding.

Mr Pasin said the Government has committed almost $2.6 billion to assist State and Territory Governments to undertake major water infrastructure projects.

“The $72 million drought round will assist the states and territories to deliver greater water security for primary producers, businesses and communities specifically in drought affected regions.

“In addition, the Government has expanded the Drought Communities Programme to provide an additional $75 million, changed tax treatment arrangements for fodder storage assets to make farmers’ lives easier, doubled concessional loans caps to $2 million, committed $22.7 million toward the Great Artesian Basin bore-capping program to improve water efficiency and committed $2.7 million to the Bureau of Meteorology for finer-scale regional weather and climate guides.

“Our Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers because we understand that our farmers are the backbone of the nation, and many local economies.”

Information, Guidelines and related forms for the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund are available online at infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/water-infrastructure/nwi-development-fund.

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466