Announced this morning, the funding will support 20 business projects, which are expected to create and retain 624 jobs across the region.
It has been allocated through the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program - intrudced in an effort to reduce impact of water policy, and specifically water buybacks - and delivered by the NSW Government.
Among the successful recipients are Blighty-based Yurunga Farms and Deniliquin Livestock Quarantine Centre Pty Ltd, whose projects are designed to expand production and improve efficiency without increasing water use.
Yurunga Farms has secured $4.91 million to replace its ageing dairy operation at Blighty with a modern facility.
The upgrade is expected to lift annual milk production from 18.4 million litres to as much as 32 million litres while operating within its existing water allocation.
In Deniliquin, Deniliquin Livestock Quarantine Centre Pty Ltd has been awarded $1.93 million to upgrade Rivbeef's feedlot.
The project will deliver improved cattle pens and shade structures, a new feed mill, weighbridge and solar power system, increasing cattle-feeding and resting capacity by 10 per cent.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment was designed to support local economies and strengthen industry resilience.
“Today's 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.
“This round of funding is responding to what we've heard from locals, and I congratulate the 20 successful applicants for stepping forward with projects that have stood up to protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience.
“These projects all support local businesses in the Southern Basin to increase their productivity, explore new opportunities and build long-term resilience in the face of challenges.
“While we don't support water buybacks, we are determined to ensure local industries and towns have the infrastructure, equipment and opportunities they need to stay strong and competitive.”
