Projects in Port Wakefield and Two Wells are among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is pleased to support projects that will improve the resilience and reliability of Grey’s water infrastructure, ensuring a stronger future for water security across the region.
“The projects to be funded include a water recycling project at Seven Point Pork at Port Wakefield which will receive $700,000 from the Australian Government to recycle a minimum of 182ml of water each year.
“This project will reduce the dependency on the mains water supply and the high quality recycle water will enable the reuse of water for specific production activities at the facility.
“The second project to be funded in Grey is the Olive Oil Project at Two Wells which will receive Australian Government funding of $4,440,000 to expand the use of recycled water for advanced agri-food production.
“With this funding the Northern Adelaide Irrigation Scheme (NAIS) will expand the use of recycled water production in the Northern Adelaide Plains.
“This investment in high-quality olive oil production will increase capacity to cater for the growing need of olive oil in both domestic and international markets.
“When completed the project will be the one of the largest intensive olive grove sites in Australia.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said through this funding pathway, the Australian Government is investing in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories right across the country to improve water reliability and efficiency.
“The National Water Grid Connections is all about driving the construction of smaller-scale projects over the next two years to provide short term economic stimulus,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant. Collectively, these projects are expected to support over 7,000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.
“Up to 1,175 jobs will be supported during construction, with over 2,550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs set to be created nationally.
“The $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund is paving the way to national water security, while promoting local economic activity and job creation along the way.”
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.
For further information, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.
Media contact:
Leonie Lloyd-Smith 02 6277 4967