NSW Farmers have been told that new water storages and greater water security projects will be considered under projects from the $1.3 billion NSW regional growth fund.
Farmers delegate Max Smith of Canowindra, asked a spokesman for the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet at the NSW Farmers conference in Sydney if water storage projects would be considered under the fund announced in the NSW budget.
“Will these funds be available to build dams, to help with flood mitigation, provide tourist facilities and increase water licences for farmers?” Mr Smith asked.
“The government will be able to forward sell the water licences and create other revenue through the project.”
Chris Hanger from the NSW Premier’s Department replied that certainly water security projects would be considered under the fund.
“If anyone has a good idea on water security developments we urge them to come forward. We want to hear about it. This fund is not about a ‘yes or no’. Anything that helps expand the regional economy we will look at.”
Mr Hanger urged farm groups to come forward with regional project ideas. All infrastructure projects would be considered under the fund.
The Land understands that Tamworth Regional Council is one of the regional cities pushing for more water storages. The council believes water is one of the big critical issues for farmers and regional areas going forward.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
