The Federal Government has splashed $100 million around the Murray-Darling Basin area to improve water infrastructure.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Bob Baldwin has announced the shortlisted applications for $100 million in funding under the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Operators Programme (PIIOP) in New South Wales.

Applications now on the shortlist came from Coleambally Irrigation Cooperative Ltd, Goodnight Irrigation Trust, Hay Private Irrigation District, Murray Irrigation Ltd and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd.

“I will consider providing additional funding above the $100 million if the detailed proposals submitted under the next stage of assessment demonstrate improved value for money,” Mr Baldwin said.

NSW Minister for Lands and Water Niall Blair said the projects would help farmers in the Murrumbidgee and Murray catchments.

“Benefits will also flow to the local community, as much of the construction works related to these projects are usually sourced from local contractors and suppliers,” Minister Blair said.

“By improving the efficiency and productivity of our irrigation industry, we are putting Australian irrigation communities on a more sustainable path for the future.”

The shortlisted applicants will need to further develop proposals in consultation with their irrigation shareholders for final assessment.

More information is available here.