They are among 12 local government areas eligible to apply for a share of $70 million in funding under the Sustainable Communities Program.
The economic development and infrastructure round is linked with the Federal Government’s Restoring Our Rivers Framework, and it aims to minimise potential socio-economic impacts of environmental water recovery under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
The provision of childcare and other community services is listed as eligible uses, as a means of supporting workforce participation.
This is a key advocacy area for Edward River Council, which is working with River Region Education to build a new childcare facility in Deniliquin and address a significant shortfall in childcare places.
While CEO Jack Bond has not yet specified what projects council might submit for funding, he said any funding for the region would be welcomed.
“For our region, this funding has the potential to strengthen economic resilience, attract new businesses and improve the services people rely on to live and work locally,” he said.
“While it will not solve the many challenges associated with reduced water availability, it provides an important platform for diversification and growth.”
The funding will provide grants from $750,000 to $10 million for projects that create new economic opportunities and reduce barriers to workforce participation, enabling people to continue to live and work locally after water recovery.
In addition to infrastructure to support workforce participation, projects eligible for funding as part of the $70 million program could include:
• infrastructure that unlocks industrial developments and new opportunities for agriculture
• economic infrastructure and upgrades to support industry such as new processing facilities or logistics hubs.
Other local government areas eligible in the round are: Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, and Wentworth.
The $70 million economic development and infrastructure round follows the early investment round of $16.3 million announced in August 2025, which provided initial stimulus to support investments in exposed and vulnerable communities.
Projects supported by the initial funding included $4 million to expand the capacity of Ravensworth Feedlot to 75,000 head of cattle and $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct.
Applications opened on December 9 and close on February 24.
To learn more or apply for funding, go to www.nsw.gov.au/scp.
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