Photo caption: Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton encourage communities throughout the Murray-Darling Basin to apply for Round 3 of the Economic Development Program.

Communities throughout the Murray-Darling Basin can now apply for a share of $34 million in grants to stimulate job growth and boost economic development under the third round of the Economic Development Program (EDP).

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the third round of the EDP, which opens from this Wednesday (March 3), is about putting people, jobs and communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.

“An expansion of the Economic Development Program was a central commitment in the Communities Investment Package I announced in September 2020,” Minister Pitt said.

“Our government has allocated $34 million towards the largest round of the EDP to date, offering grants of between $50,000 and $1 million to fund projects in 38 eligible community areas.”

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the program allows Basin communities to determine what best works for them.

“This program recognises that communities know how best to tackle the challenges they face, and what kinds of economic activity would support people in their own communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“Close to $8 million of funding has already been delivered to the Parkes electorate under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program, including more than $3.5 million for urban enhancement and oval redevelopment projects across Warren Shire.

“Funding has also been provided for the establishment of the Smart Region Incubator and co-working space in Moree, efficient water filtration at Bourke Olympic Swimming Pool, the Brewarrina Outback Technology Hub and Museum, the Yarrie Lake Water Security Project, the Narromine Aerodrome Industrial Park Hangar Development, the Collarenebri Showground refurbishment and more.”

Mr Coulton encourages all eligible Basin communities across the Parkes electorate to check the guidelines for Round 3 and submit an application.

“I will be working closely with local communities and stakeholder groups over the coming months to ensure anyone interested has the opportunity and support they need to apply for funding under this program,” Mr Coulton said.

EDP Round 3 grant applications open from March 3 and will close on 12 April 2021.

From Wednesday you can visit the GrantConnect or Community Grants Hub websites to find out if your community is eligible or for information on how to apply.