NEW ERA FOR WATER INFRASTRUCTURE: APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR $500 MILLION IN FUNDING

STATE and territory governments are urged to apply for a share of $500 million for new water infrastructure projects, which have the potential to transform regional communities and economies.

Applications will open on 21 January 2019 under the expanded capital component of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Fund was expanded to co-invest in even more projects to further enhance water security and unlock regional Australia’s huge social and economic potential.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government knows water is our greatest resource and if our regions have access to more secure water supplies our towns can prosper and our agricultural industries can thrive,” Mr McCormack said.

“That is why this Government is investing in water infrastructure, heralding a new era for our regional communities and our regional economies.

“We are not afraid to put our regional communities first and deliver the water infrastructure they expect and deserve.

“It is now absolutely essential for state and territory governments to get on board to ensure these transformational projects can be delivered.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment under this Fund now totals more than $1.3 billion.

This investment can help state and territory governments and their project partners to deliver major water infrastructure projects which will increase water reliability and security for farmers, businesses and regional communities.

Expressions of Interest will be accepted continuously until all funds are committed.

Information, guidelines and related forms are available at https://infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/water-infrastructure/nwi-development-fund/.