MEDIA RELEASE
The Edward-Wakool and Murray River districts have an opportunity to apply for further funding under the Healthy Rivers – Healthy Communities grant program announced in this week’s budget.
Deniliquin based Senator for NSW, Perin Davey, said the $97 million announcement will build on the Government’s commitment to put communities back at the heart of Murray-Darling Basin investment and reform.
“This region is home to a multitude of wetlands and ephemeral creeks and streams that play host to many species of frogs, waterbirds and fish,” Senator Davey said.
“Due to development and river regulation, the natural flows of the region have changed significantly, but when we have a modern working river, the solution is not to turn back the clock.
“Our farmers and land managers have shown that managing water deliveries through existing infrastructure can have substantial environmental benefits and working with environmental water holders much more can be done.”
Under the first two rounds of the Liberal and Nationals Government Healthy Rivers Program, almost $2.7 million has been awarded to projects in the Edward-Wakool region alone. They include almost $2 million to Murray Irrigation, $300,000 to the Western Murray Land Improvement Group for two projects, $50,000 for a project on the Bullatale Creek, and a further $170,000 for projects in Deniliquin and Moulamein.
Senator Davey said the funding announced in the budget will also extend the Indigenous River Rangers Program which is already creating jobs in the Deniliquin region through Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre.
“Our Government is committed to delivering real, on-ground benefits to communities while improving the health of our rivers,” Senator Davey said.
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