The NSW Government has announced $15 million in immediate support for communities in the Southern Basin negatively impacted by the Federal Government's water buybacks.

The announcement was made today in Griffith by the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty.

This funding represents the first round of the $160 million Sustainable Communities Program.

Minister Moriarty stated that the NSW Government is committed to providing rapid financial assistance to NSW Basin communities facing the consequences of water recovery measures, including the Australian Government’s water buybacks.

While the government does not support water buybacks, it believes that investing in infrastructure and programs is essential for supporting local businesses and industries, ultimately leading to strong and vibrant regional communities.

This initial $15 million in funding aims to deliver immediate support to create jobs and stimulate local economies.

The funding is specifically targeted towards the nine Local Government Areas of Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, and Murrumbidgee.

Minister Moriarty encouraged organizations within these eligible areas to take advantage of this initial funding opportunity to support their growth and future prosperity.

The Early Investment Round offers funding opportunities ranging from $50,000 to $1 million for programs, initiatives, and capital investment projects, and between $250,000 to $4 million for infrastructure projects.

The funding will be distributed until the $15 million is fully allocated.

Eligible projects for funding consideration include enabling infrastructure or technology upgrades, plant and equipment for increased productivity, and targeted workforce skills and capability development programs.

The announcement was made during a roundtable meeting in Griffith where Minister Moriarty met with business leaders from across the Riverina.

Representatives from the region's business community provided valuable feedback on the types of investments that could support job creation and retention.

Serena Hardwick, Regional Director of Business NSW, expressed anticipation for working with the Government to ensure the funding builds capability and capacity within the local business community.

She noted that investments that help businesses increase productivity, foster innovation, and commercialize research and development will benefit both the local and wider economies.

Hardwick also highlighted the opportunity to address the skills and workforce gap by fostering a skilled future workforce and rewarding career pathways through this investment.

The NSW Government will continue its wide consultation process, with more roundtables planned throughout the Southern Basin, to understand community priorities and the investments needed to strengthen local economies vulnerable to water recovery measures.

The remaining $145 million under the Sustainable Communities Program is expected to become available in the 2025/26 financial year after detailed consultation with all exposed and vulnerable NSW Basin communities