Government funds intended to offset the impacts of water buybacks must be more appropriately targeted if it’s to make any difference.

That is the sentiment of local stakeholders, who have said more thought also needs to be put into the types of projects supported.

Eight projects were recently announced to share 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.

None of the projects were located in the Deniliquin or Wakool areas, where stakeholders feel the money is most needed.

Western Murray Land Improvement Group executive officer Roger Knight said he was “surprised” that none of the group’s applications were approved for funding.

While not wanting to take away from the projects that have been funded to date, Mr Knight questions whether all the projects adequately offset the impacts of water buybacks.

“If money goes to the larger towns, it’s not helping those small towns who are bearing the brunt of the policies.

“We want the money to support real jobs, in the communities hardest hit by buybacks.

“And we want to see the proportional distribution the documents on the funding promised.”

Mr Knight suggested there should perhaps be a weighting system applied for future funding, to ensure the most impacted communities are considered strongly.

“Take the Wakool region, for example,” Mr Knight said.

“The district has lost half of its productive water through the Murray-Darling Basin Plan process.

“That kind of impact on smaller towns means they are losing services, businesses, children from the schools and even the people to support its football and netball clubs.

“And the community has been experiencing that for many years already.

“Towns like these badly need the economic stimulus these funding streams can provide.”

Mr Knight said a number of projects were submitted to try and bring some economic stimulus back to the Wakool district.

“One was a brewery in Barham. There’s a company prepared to move from Melbourne, and they would be able to take on 14 staff.

“We (WMLIP) are also pursuing funding for Murray Industrial Hemp.

“We’ve already had some investments from the Murray-Darling Basin diversification fund and state and federal support, but more is needed. ”

The Murray Industrial Hemp journey began in 2020 when WMLIG united farmers to explore new industries, aligning with community feedback on water availability, agricultural diversification, and economic resilience.

A hemp cluster group was then formed, engaging 15 farmers to explore opportunities in the hemp value chain.

WMILG believes it can expand further.

Mr Knight said the group would resubmit its funding proposals for future rounds of the NSW Sustainable Communities Program Early Investment Round, and other funding streams that might become available.

Projects that did receive funding last month are:

• $1,078,164 for Murray River Council for Moama CBD redevelopment.

• $1 million from SunRice to upgrade sheds and roads at its Leeton distribution centre.

• $4 million for Ravensworth Feedlot to expand its capacity to 75,000 head of cattle.

• $4 million for Barooga Sports Club to upgrade the Bullanginya Precinct and construct group accommodation.

• $3 million for Griffith City Council for CBD tourism sites beautification.

• $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.

• $493,110 for Carrathool Shire Council to upgrade infrastructure at Hillston Caravan Park.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times Google News Panels

Monday, 26th June 2023

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