The New South Wales Government will provide $1.1 billion in water funding over the next four years to ensure sustainable, secure and healthy water resources now and into the future.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said that this commitment created a more secure water future for NSW. It funds the planning and delivery of a raft of major water infrastructure projects while supporting the community through a range of new policies and programs.
Anderson said, “One of our biggest water investments for 2022-23 is $369.6 million over the next four years for the Safe and Secure Water program, including $90 million in new funding to expand the program, which co-funds vital water and sewerage infrastructure projects in every corner of regional NSW.”
He pointed out that this reflected the continued investment the NSW Government has placed in water since 2017. 233 projects have been supported across country NSW, including 23 completed projects that benefit over 300,000 people in NSW. It allows the NSW Government to continue to work with Councils to support the safe operation of water and sewage systems for communities across the state.
More plans for water funding
The NSW Water Strategy has had $19.8 million allocated to begin delivering the Groundwater Strategy, a dedicated Aboriginal Water Strategy and the development of Southern Floodplain Management Plans.
Pricing is a big focus of the NSW Government, with $102.3 million committed as part of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s final price determination. It will be used for water planning, management, and rural bulk water services in NSW. The Budget would also help boost household budgets with $151.6 million set aside to deliver water rebates for low-income households.
“Every dollar counts when you’re on a tight budget, which is why we’re continuing to put money back in the pockets of eligible families via water rebates,” Anderson said.
For regional NSW, Anderson highlighted record investment in regional water infrastructure. He pointed to $8.9 million over four years to maintain assets within the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme to help minimise flood risk across the Newcastle and Hunter regions.
There was also $82.2 million over three years as part of a joint $92.5 million investment from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to improve critical water supply infrastructure for the towns of Wilcannia and Cobar, including the new Wilcannia Weir and Nyngan, Hermidale and Cobar pump stations.
Anderson said, “These investments are helping build an even brighter, more secure and confident regional NSW delivering new jobs and more economic opportunities for locals.”
“Water is the lifeblood of our communities, and this budget is investing in projects, strategies and initiatives that will support secure, sustainable and healthy water resources across NSW for decades to come.”
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