Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton welcomed the call for expressions of interest under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund and is encouraging all interested parties to have their say.

 

“Whilst expressions of interest are being sought from state and territory governments, I strongly encourage all interested parties across my electorate to partner with the NSW government to help plan for the nation-building projects we need to secure our water,” Mr Coulton said.

 

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP explained that the $25 million for national water infrastructure planning is a key part of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund.

 

“The fund delivers on the Coalition Government’s commitment of $500 million under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper to develop the nation’s water infrastructure comprising $50 million to start the detailed planning necessary to build new water infrastructure and $450 million for capital works,” Minister Joyce said.

 

“The fund will support new and augmented water infrastructure including dams, pipelines and managed aquifer recharge projects around Australia to secure the nation’s water supplies and to deliver strong economic benefits while also protecting our environment.

 

“Under the feasibility component of the fund, state and territory governments can apply for funding to undertake the critical early planning work including technical, environmental and economic assessments on specific water infrastructure projects. We have committed $50 million in funding for this component, with $25 million available in the current round.”

 

Expressions of interest close on 21 January 2016.

 

Details of the expressions of interest process, guidelines and information about the Fund are available at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/natural-resources/national-water-infrastructure-development-fund