A local project in the Barossa is among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in Federal Government funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Government was pleased to support projects that will improve the resilience and reliability of water infrastructure, delivering stronger water security outcomes.

“The Barossa Wine Grape Water Source Diversification project has received Federal Government funding of $4,500,000 through the National Water Grid Connections Pathway Program.” Mr Pasin said.

“This project will see the construction of new infrastructure that will supply additional water to the existing agricultural irrigation water supply system in the Western Barossa Valley to assist our world class wine producers.”

“While the project will primarily supply agricultural customers, water from the system will also be used for public space irrigation and industrial use.” Mr Pasin said.

Light Regional Council Mayor Bill O’Brien said that “Light Regional Council greatly appreciates the opportunity to play our part alongside the Federal Government, the South Australian Government and private sector partners to deliver this exciting integrated water infrastructure project that will deliver local jobs and cooler, liveable neighbourhoods”.

“This project will deliver new infrastructure that will add an average of 800ML/annum of urban stormwater into an existing agricultural irrigation water supply system to the Western Barossa Valley, while also providing water for cool, green space in the new Roseworthy Township Expansion, and potentially non-potable water supplies for industry in the Kingsford and Roseworthy Industrial Estates” said Mayor O’Brien.

“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.”

“This funding will also generate employment outcomes both during construction and post completion and drive short term economic stimulus as we continue to navigate the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Pasin said.

The Barossa Wine Grape Water Source Diversification project is a joint project between the Federal Government ($4,500,000), the South Australian Government ($400,000) and the Light Regional Council ($4,100,000).

For further information, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.

ENDS