Announced this week, the funding will support 20 business projects expected to create and retain 624 jobs across the region.
The funding has been allocated through the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program, which was introduced to help communities adapt to the impacts of water policy changes, including water buybacks, and is being delivered by the NSW Government.
Among the successful recipients are Blighty-based Yurunga Farms and Deniliquin Livestock Quarantine Centre Pty Ltd, with both projects focused on increasing productivity without requiring additional water.
Yurunga Farms has secured $4.91 million to replace its ageing dairy operation at Blighty with a modern facility.
The upgrade is expected to increase annual milk production from 18.4 million litres to up to 32 million litres while remaining within existing water allocations.
In Deniliquin, Deniliquin Livestock Quarantine Centre Pty Ltd has been awarded $1.93 million to upgrade Rivbeef's feedlot.
The project includes improved cattle pens and shade structures, a new feed mill, weighbridge and solar power system, and is expected to lift cattle feeding and resting capacity by 10 per cent.
The funding package also includes projects with broader regional significance.
Rice Breeding Australia Limited will receive more than $4.15 million to establish facilities aimed at developing new water-efficient rice varieties, supporting the industry's long-term goal of reducing water use by 75 per cent while maintaining production.
Several Murray River Council projects were also successful, including a $200,090 grant for Barham Avocados Pty Ltd to replace 4.5 hectares of unproductive avocado trees with agave plants to trial their potential as an alternative energy source and livestock feed.
At Moama, Quincey Jones Jelly Preserves Co. Pty Ltd secured $176,731 to upgrade its food manufacturing facility with new cooking, processing, packaging and storage equipment, boosting production capacity.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment would help strengthen regional economies and support jobs across the basin.
“The announcement is about backing the future of businesses and industries in the Southern NSW Murray-Darling Basin to deliver 624 new jobs and maintain existing local jobs,” she said.
“These projects all support local businesses to increase productivity, explore new opportunities and build long-term resilience in the face of challenges.
“We don't support water buybacks, but we are determined to ensure local industries and towns have the infrastructure, equipment and opportunities they need to stay strong and competitive.”
