The LWMP 2022 was established after funds held by Murray Irrigation Limited were returned to landholders via NSW Supreme Court advice last year.
The funds have been invested in a managed fund, and it is the intention to use part of the interest generated each year to fund appropriate projects.
Riverina Sustainable recently held an information night in Deniliquin to update irrigators and the community on the next steps.
Trustees Peter Mogg, Tim Horne and Waander Van Beek were in attendance, along with members of the Landholder Association Council - a committee made up of Local Landholder Association representatives, and who will be involved in assessing project applications.
According to the LWMP 2022, project proposals must fall under one or more of the three pillars of advocacy, education and research and development and must benefit irrigated properties in the NSW Murray Irrigation area and dryland properties that retain a water use license.
The amount of funds approved annually will vary, depending on investment performance and suitability of applications.
Attendees were informed any project proposals must be presented via one of the five Landholder Associations (LHA) – Deniboota, Wakool, BIC, West Berriquin or Denimein.
Those which meet the criteria, will be forwarded to the LAC, which will discuss the projects and allocate funding based on the merit of each project and its proposed outcomes.
All projects are overseen by the trustees to ensure they meet the guidelines of the LWMP 2022.
Mr Mogg said the LWMP is a wonderful legacy for irrigators in the Southern Riverina community.
“Our website is up and running, and I urge anyone interested in applying for a project to jump on the site and have a look,” he said.
“We are looking forward to getting our first round of funding out to the public over the next few months.”
Riverina Sustainable funds are a legacy left over from the original LWMP, which commenced in 1991 and finished in 2010.
At the time, the LWMP was considered the gold standard for community engagement in land and water practices, with landholders within the MIL footprint, along with state and federal governments, all contributing equal amounts of money to address issues of the time that had the ability to impact on future profitability and sustainability of the region.
More information about LWMP 2022, and expressions of interest forms, are available at www.lwmp.com.au.
Any questions can be directed to office@lwmp.com.au.
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