They are among eight recipients sharing in $16.3 million, jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments.
The NSW Sustainable Communities Program Early Investment Round was established to support communities anticipated to be impacted by the Federal Government’s Voluntary Water Purchase Program, introduced last year as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Muray River Council’s $1,078,164 grant will be invested in Moama, where selected sites in the CBD will be redeveloped to improve access and help attract new businesses.
SunRice has been awarded $1 million to upgrade sheds and roads at its Leeton distribution centre.
SunRice Group chief executive Paul Serra said it a “welcome boost” for the company and the Riverina economy impacted by water reform.
“By upgrading our Leeton distribution centre, we’re helping protect local jobs and industry, making sure rice grown in the Riverina reaches markets reliably, and creating flow-on benefits for local businesses and the community.
“The investment will further strengthen the resilience of our supply chain and enhance Leeton’s place at the heart of Australia’s rice industry, helping to make the town an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit through the enhancements to the site.”
Other projects to receive funding are:
• $4 million for Ravensworth Feedlot to expand its capacity from 50,000 to 75,000 head of cattle.
• $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct, including re-location of the works compound and construction of group accommodation for tourism.
• $3 million for Griffith City Council to beautify Griffith’s CBD and improve local tourism sites.
• $2,000,040 for Leeton Shire Council to complete stage two of the Roxy Theatre upgrade and establish the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts.
• $731,331 for Balranald Shire Council to activate a regional Heritage and Cultural Trail with signage and audiovisual technology and upgrades to Lake Benanee campground.
• $493,110 for Carrathool Shire Council to upgrade infrastructure at Hillston Caravan Park.
An agreement announced in December last year between the governments saw the provision of $160 million, to be administered by the NSW Government, for investing in the Murray-Darling Basin’s local communities
Allocation of the remaining funding will be informed by consultation and feedback gathered through roundtables, stakeholder group sessions, and the NSW Government Have Your Say survey. Further details are to be announced soon.
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