The Federal Government has announced $20 million in funding for four new water projects in Tasmania – part of the $108 million National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
These four new projects will each receive $5 million of federal funding to deliver enhanced water quality and reliability, whilst also promoting regional economic growth and sustainability.
The successful projects are:
- $5 million for the augmentation of the Greater Meander Irrigation Scheme
- $5 million for Shellfish Lease Water Quality Improvement Program, to upgrade sewerage pump stations close to shellfish lease areas
- $5 million for an expansion of the Penna Recycled Water Scheme
- $5 million for the South Arm Recycled Water Pipeline, which is a reuse scheme to deliver irrigation water to the South Arm Peninsula
The National Water Grid Connections initiative is designed to deliver the construction of smaller-scale projects to provide short-term economic stimulus, support primary production and unlock potential in regional communities.
Up to $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver projects over the next two years, with a Federal Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.
Assistant Minister for Industry Development, Jonno Duniam, said the Government was delighted to support the South Arm Recycled Water Pipeline, which will transfer water from Blackmans Bay Water Treatment Plant to the South Arm Peninsula.
“The pipeline will improve the resilience and reliability of South Arm’s water infrastructure, ensuring a stronger future for water security across the region,” Mr Duniam said.
“It will strengthen the local economy of South Arm, support agricultural production and lead to new investment in economic activities in the region.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said through this funding pathway, the Federal Government is investing in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories to improve water reliability and efficiency.
“The National Water Grid Connections is all about driving the construction of smaller-scale projects over the next two years to provide short-term economic stimulus,” Mr Joyce said.
“The cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant. Collectively, these projects are expected to support over 7,000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.
“The $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund is paving the way to national water security, while promoting local economic activity and job creation along the way.”
Mr Joyce also said up to 1,175 jobs will be supported during construction, with over 2,550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs set to be created nationally.
