In round two of the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program, $15 million in funding is open to 26 communities across six federal electorates.
In addition to Deniboota and Denimein, Farrer communities eligible to apply for the competitive funding stream include Pooncarie, Coomealla, Wentworth, Hay and Berrigan.
Wakool was one of 15 communities eligible to apply in round one, where $20 million is up for grabs.
The funding is specifically targeted at communities that are ‘‘severely impacted by water buybacks’’ associated with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and for local economic development programs.
Denimein Landholders Association chair Jon Gatacre said any assistance that could help counteract a loss in production is welcomed.
‘‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community to access the grant while this area has being going through such a tough drought, on top of zero water allocation,’’ Mr Gatacre said.
‘‘Credit to Sussan Ley for pushing this funding. Hopefully we can obtain some of the funding to inject into our area.’’
Deniboota Landholders Association chair Alastair Starritt said in the current climate, it is difficult to predict where the money could be spent to have the desired impact.
He said the primary need for the community is a secure water resource, which he said would be an easy contributor to economic development.
‘‘We would need to analyse the proposals, but first we need to recognise where we want to be,’’ Mr Starritt said.
‘‘I don’t think there is any one silver bullet for this region, because there are a whole raft of things that need to be addressed.
‘‘But the most basic thing is to be able to have access to water — that’s the nuts and bolts of it.
‘‘Right now there is very little incentive to invest in this region (because of the lack of access to water).
‘‘The sentiment (of the funding) is good but the foundations need work, but the underlying thing here is that this is recognition there is a problem.’’
Returned Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley said the government knows that water recovery, coupled with drought and low NSW inflows into the system, had impacted many communities.
She said this fund is just one way it is trying to support those communities most affected.
‘‘The Morrison Government knows that nothing can replace a megalitre of water, but working with communities we can support activities that make a real difference,’’ she said.
‘‘This funding will be targeted to projects which help to diversify economies in these regional communities and build social resilience.’’
Not-for-profit organisations, including local governments, cooperatives, incorporated associations and Indigenous Corporations will be eligible to apply.
