JMR with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce
Two major projects in the Bendigo and Ballarat electorates are among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the Morrison Government is investing more than $46 million across Victoria to improve the resilience and reliability of water infrastructure, including at Bacchus Marsh and Kyneton, to ensure a stronger future for water security across the region.
“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.”
“On behalf of the Morrison Government, I am delighted to announce the following funding:
- $3.75 million for the Kyneton Recycled Water Irrigation project: a 13 kilometre recycled water pipeline will be constructed, which will initially provide up to 300 megalitres per annum of recycled water to irrigate 60 hectares of previously dry farmland.
- $675,000 for the Bacchus Marsh Resilience and Critical Infrastructure Channels to be upgraded with new pipelines which will save up to 100 megalitres per annum for irrigators.
“The National Water Grid Connections will boost up to 1,175 jobs nationally during construction, with over 2,550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs across the country,” Senator Henderson 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 $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.
11 August 2021