Today, we move forward and shift our focus to investing in the latest science and modern infrastructure that will shore up access to safe and secure water across the state and provide better environmental outcomes.
Drought preparedness
We know there’s a drought knocking on our door threatening the water security of towns across NSW, which is why the 2023-24 NSW Budget is injecting more than $353 million over the next 4 years to support various projects that will bolster drought readiness and resilience in the regions.
This investment includes:
- $222.4 million for the upgrading of critical water supply infrastructure for the towns of Wilcannia, Eurobodalla and Cobar, with the Australian Government.
- $217.5 million for Safe and Secure Water Program initiatives to support regional towns dealing with town water supply, quality and safety risks.
- $6 million to improve water security for Tamworth by identifying practical solutions.
- $5 million contribution to the Northern Rivers Watershed Initiative to improve water security and catchment health across Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond and Evans Rivers Catchments.
- $13.6 million to enhance the quality of drinking water by replacing crucial infrastructure at the water treatment plant in Yass.
The NSW Government is also committed to delivering the Murray Darling Basin Plan to support river health, access to water and improve water efficiencies to minimise the impacts of Australian Government buybacks.
This includes:
- $220 million worth of infrastructure projects to improve the health of the river system including removing barriers and installing flow regulators, pumps, channels and fishways.
Cost-of-living relief for families will also include $160 million each year over 4 years going straight back to the pockets of those who need it the most, through water rebates for low-income households.
This budget is about getting on with the job of easing cost-of-living pressures for household water bills and delivering solutions driven by climate science to help mitigate the impacts of dry seasons and create resilient and drought prepared communities.
