The State and Federal Nationals in Government will deliver a $1 billion water infrastructure package for rural and regional communities impacted by the devastating drought in NSW.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Deputy Premier John Barilaro said both governments had been working together to fund critical water infrastructure projects, including new and expanded dam projects.
“We are already making significant investments in water infrastructure capital projects nationwide and this announcement signals a major acceleration of that commitment,” Mr McCormack said.
“No one should doubt our commitment to getting these sorts of projects done in partnership with all states and territories – our $1.3 billion National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility are in place to deliver the planning, assessment and construction work needed to build the water infrastructure of the 21st century.
“These projects will fit into our strategic plan for improving regional water security through water infrastructure led by the National Water Grid Authority.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales John Barilaro said the NSW Nationals in Government had been getting on with building critical water infrastructure projects but this was a significant turning point to future-proof the State.
“Only last week I was pleased to officially switch on the $12.85 million Malpas Dam to Guyra pipeline in the Northern Tablelands region, a project completed on time and under budget by the NSW Government,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This partnership with the Federal Government will mean more projects, in faster time frames.”
“Our priority is to get these major projects off the ground as quickly as possible, to combat ‘day zero’ and help regional and rural communities in NSW get through this devastating drought.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro
Formalised agreements between the Federal and NSW Governments outlining the timeframes will be finalised shortly.
