Communities throughout the Murray-Darling Basin will share in $34 million to help stimulate job growth and economic development under a third round of the Economic Development Program.

Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, said the program targets communities across Farrer which have a range of economic proposals and plans to help offset changes in water delivery and availability in irrigation-dependent regions.

After working our way through the recent drought and then the challenges caused by COVID, confidence is really starting to renew in Farrer and I look forward to seeing a range of exciting initiatives put on the table.

Local councils, not-for-profit community organisations, indigenous corporations, cooperatives, incorporated associations or companies can apply from the following LGA’s…Edward River, Federation, Balranald, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Berrigan, Griffith, Hay Leeton, Carrathool and Wentworth.

Speaking at the start of a four day visit to the NSW/Vic Murray River region, Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt, said the third round of the Economic Development Program (EDP) open this week (Wednesday) and is about putting people, jobs and communities at the heart of the Basin Plan.

“Close to $39 million of funding has already been delivered under Rounds 1 and 2 of the program, kick-starting initiatives such as thermal hot spring upgrades to business mentoring, ecotourism trails, agritourism projects and aerodrome developments.”

“This allocation of $34 million is 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,” Minister Pitt said.

EDP Round 3 grant applications open from Wednesday 03 March with guidelines and application forms available at www.grants.gov.au