JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Lake Wyangan Water Sustainability Project is among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
Nationals Senator for New South Wales Perin Davey said the Government was pleased to support projects that will ensure a stronger future for water security across the region.
“Water is important to the environment and regional communities and this $3.475 million investment from the Federal Government into Lake Wyangan will improve water security and reliability, whilst creating jobs,” Senator Davey said.
Senator Davey said Lake Wyangan is located ten minutes north-west of Griffith and is a popular location for tourists and locals to enjoy the best nature has to offer.
“With onsite facilities like a free boat ramp and jetty, it is important we continue to invest in projects that not only bring tourism to regional areas, but improve water quality and ensure sustainability in our water grid for many years to come,” Senator Davey said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said through this funding pathway, the Australian Government is investing in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories right across the country to improve water reliability and efficiency.
“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,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant. Collectively, these projects are expected to support over 7,000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.
“Up to 1,175 jobs will be supported during construction, with over 2,550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs set to be created nationally.
“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.”
Up to $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver projects over the next two years, with an Australian Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.
For further information, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au