Drought Stimulus Package

The main objective of the $170 million NSW Drought Stimulus Package is to mitigate the employment and income effects of the current drought in regional NSW by delivering economic stimulus. The first focus will be on fast-tracking existing local infrastructure projects that will boost local economies, with a number of projects already announced. Other initiatives will be rolled out and these will keep money flowing and people working in local towns and villages.

All projects and initiatives will focus on putting dollars into local pay packets. Tradespeople, suppliers and project workers will receive new work and spend money in local businesses such as cafes, retail stores and with service providers.

Critical town water projects

A set of critical town water projects have also been announced: 

• $30 million for new groundwater infrastructure at Dubbo
• $2.2 million to improve bore water supply at Coonabarabran
• $2 million for critical maintenance of the Albert Priest Channel (Nyngan to Cobar)
• $2 million for a water security and water quality project in Narromine.

Project showcase

The following are examples of projects being funded across regional NSW that will stimulate local economies and build infrastructure that brings lasting benefits into the future.