New National Water Grid Connections funding pathway
The Australian Government is providing $108 million to deliver 40 projects across the country through the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
Announced in the 2021–22 Federal Budget, through the $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund, the National Water Grid Authority (NWGA) sought proposals from each state and territory to build small-scale projects.
Up to $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver projects over the next two years, with an Australian Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.
Examples of projects being funded include construction of new off-stream storage dams, water pipelines, and construction of recycled water irrigation systems.
The projects are expected to irrigate a further 7000 hectares and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.
The Connection pathway is expected to create 2550 ongoing jobs, 500 seasonal jobs and a further 1175 construction jobs.
An additional 33.6GL of water storage capacity and a further 31.3 gigalitres of additional water each year will be available from investment in the Connections pathway.
While the focus remains on building bigger water infrastructure, smaller water infrastructure projects also promote economic activity, create jobs and prosperity. Collectively, these projects make nationally significant contributions to the National Water Grid.
Read more in the Deputy Prime Minister's media release.
To view the Connections packages across the country: