Funding available for water security and drought-proofing in NSW

Funding applications to help drought-proof water supplies and improve water security in NSW are now open through the Australian Government.

The NSW Government is seeking expressions of interest in participating in the next round of funding applications for the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund, which aims to help drought-proof water supplies and improve water security in the country.

The New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) are inviting regional councils, local water utilities, irrigation water cooperatives/irrigation trusts, First Nations organisations, water corporations, private corporations and science and research agencies to apply for co-funding for priority water infrastructure and research projects across the state under one of three streams:

  • Capital Program
  • First Nations Infrastructure Program
  • Science Program

Projects can include new town water treatment plants, recycling plants, groundwater storages, dams, weirs, pipelines, desalination plants, modernisation or expansion of off-farm irrigation, and other critical water projects. Projects to address water challenges faced by regional and remote First Nations communities, such as upgrading networks, drilling and equipping bores, and installing water treatment systems, are also included.

“The National Water Grid Fund has supported the delivery of some of our state’s most significant water infrastructure and scientific research projects, and we want to see what’s next in the pipeline,” NSW DCCEEW Executive Director of Development Lisa Hingerty said. “This includes $13.7 million in co-funding from the National Water Grid Fund, NSW and local governments for a major infrastructure project delivering a more reliable water network to West Wyalong. The project replaced ageing pipelines with a new 8km pipeline and 6km reticulation main, and built a new transfer pump station and reservoir, locking in efficient water delivery system that will serve the community for decades to come.”

The National Water Grid Fund also invests in scientific research to drive long-term, economically sound, environmentally sustainable and culturally responsive outcomes.

NSW DCCEEW will work closely with the shortlisted applicants to develop funding proposals for priority projects. The NSW Government will then submit these proposals to the Australian Government for consideration.

“The National Water Grid Fund also invested $1.5 million, along with $1.5 million from NSW, for a preliminary business case examining the best solutions to address water reliability issues for Bermagui, whose supply system has the highest unaddressed risk on the South Coast, particularly during drought,” Hingerty said. “The remote village of Tabulam in the Northern Rivers is also on the path to securing its first ever drinking water supply network, thanks to $200,000 from the National Water Grid Fund and a matching investment from Kyogle Council.

“These are just some of the projects underway that are crucial for the future growth and prosperity of these towns and regions and will boost water reliability and security for decades to come.

The proposals must clearly demonstrate how projects will provide long-term benefits for local communities or industry sectors by improving water security and supply resilience and helping to unlock economic development in the area.

Proponents can either apply for funding for individual projects or a package of programs, and proposals must outline the full scope of work and costs. For any new construction works, a Final Business Case must support the application with a robust Benefit Cost Ratio Analysis.

“Now we’re looking for the next water projects to support our remote and rural communities, improve water quality and security and drive thriving economies and healthy environments, which is why we encourage parties to submit their Expression of Interest by 27 February,” Hingerty said.

Expressions of interest for the next funding round must be submitted no later than 11:00 pm (AEDT) on Thursday, 27 February. The selection process is open and competitive.

NSW DCCEEW encourages applicants to check and adhere to the NSW Government’s criteria, requirements and dates specified in the National Water Grid Fund – NSW Guidelines for Applicants (PDF, 416.45 KB).

For more information and to apply, visit NSW National Water Grid Fund applications.

For more information on how the NSW and Australian Governments work together to deliver National Water Grid projects, visit the National Water Grid website.

Related Articles:

Send this to a friend