Communities in Farrer impacted by water buybacks will now be able to invest in local economic development programs. Federal MP Sussan Ley said water recovery, coupled with drought and low NSW inflows into the system, has impacted many of our communities.

“The Morrison Government knows that nothing can replace a megalitre of water, but working with communities we can support activities that make a real difference.”

In Farrer, specific irrigation areas to benefit from this latest round of the MDBEP include Pooncarie (Lower Darling), Coomealla, Wentworth, Hay, Denemein, Deniboota and Berrigan.

“This funding will be targeted to projects which help to diversify economies in these regional communities and build social resilience.”

“The Labor Party have shown their hand and committed to use water buybacks as the blunt tool of the Basin Plan.

“This ignores the legacy of buybacks and the severe impact this approach has on farmers, communities and businesses in Farrer.”

Not-for-profit organisations, including local governments, cooperatives, incorporated associations and Indigenous Corporations would be eligible to apply. This is a $15 million commitment to a second round of the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

This funding builds on the $25 million that was provided to 15 communities under the first round of the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program.