Multiple regions across NSW will share $40 million for new water infrastructure projects to increase water storage and help communities better cope with climate change.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the water infrastructure projects were co-funded under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Connections funding pathway, through the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund.
"Connections recognises that small-scale infrastructure projects individually may make localised improvements to water outcomes, while collectively they can make nationally significant contributions to the National Water Grid," Mr Joyce said.
The NSW Connections package is jointly funded by the Australian Government ($15.8m) and the NSW Government, alongside other partners ($24.3m), and consists of five projects: Lake Wyangan Water Sustainability project, Walcha Off-Stream Water Storage, West Wyalong Water Reliability project, Broken Hill to Menindee Graziers Pipeline and Urbenville Water Supply project.
NSW Minister for Water Melinda Pavey said once complete, they'll create around 1650 megalitres in extra water storage capacity and over 4000ML a year in increased water availability and an estimated 60 jobs through the build and 230 ongoing jobs.
"This will mean more than 240 hectares of additional land will now be open to irrigation, and nearly 200 new customers or properties will be able to connect to the improved water supply delivered by this suite of projects."
All projects are expected to be completed by mid-2023.
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