Friday, 18 August 2017
EXPRESSIONS of interest for the NSW Government’s historic $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program opened today, paving the way for improved water security and public health in rural and regional NSW.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the new Safe and Secure Water Program would help deliver high quality water services throughout the region.
“This program offers funding for projects that address water security issues in regional communities and lifts public health and living standards for people,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s one of the most significant investments in water security in the state’s history ensuring that people and families who choose to live in country NSW have the same access to the services and vital infrastructure as those that live in the city.”
Mr Marshall said communities could now build the water supply systems, the treatment plants, dams and drought back-up systems that will ensure regional NSW continues to be the best place to live and work.
“Last year Moree Plains Shire Council received $11.2 million under a similar scheme to upgrade the town’s water supply system and provide potable reticulated water to the villages for Ashley and Biniguy,” Mr Marshall said.
“It helped clear a backlog of council projects affected by ongoing water quality problems and came on the back of $5 million for a water pipeline between Boggabilla and Toomelah to secure a sustainable and high quality water supply for those communities.
“Our region had not seen funding on that scale for local water supplies for decades and I’m thrilled that level of investment will continue through the Safe and Secure Water program.”
Expressions of interest for the first round of funding is now open. Funding will be determined on a competitive basis and Mr Marshall is encouraging local council’s to consider applying.
Further information regarding the Safe and Secure Water Program, as well as details on how to lodge an expression of interest, are available from the DPI Water website www.water.nsw.gov.au