Thirsty western communities will be getting their paperwork in order as the gates open for the next round of funding under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund.  

The National Water Grid Fund was launched in 2019 under the then Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack.  

It was made to drought-proof rural regional Australia, by looking at how large-scale water diversion projects such as dams could be used to deliver reliable and cost effective water to farmers and communities.  

Several key projects have been funded by the National Water Grid Fund, like the Nygnan to Cobar pump station and pipeline project, and the Macquarie-Wambuul water security scheme. 

A number of local councils and other water users looking to shore up their water security will now be looking to the fund to fast-track their infrastructure priorities.

Projects can include water treatment plants, recycling plants, groundwater storages, dams, weirs, pipelines, desalination plants, off-farm irrigation or other critical water projects. 

Regional councils, local water utilities, irrigation water cooperatives, First Nations organisations, private corporations and science and research agencies can apply for co-funding for water projects under one of three areas: 

• Capital Program 
• First Nations Infrastructure Program 
• Science Program 

 "The Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund has supported the delivery of some of the state’s most significant water infrastructure projects to improve the access to safe and reliable water for regional communities to bolster drought resilience and lock in long-term water security," said a spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in a statement.  

Proving your point

Involving both state and federal government departments, the approvals process is hardly streamlined and the turnaround for the first step is tight, with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) due by 27 February.

People making submissions must show how their project proposals will provide long term benefits for local communities or industry by improving water security and helping economic development in the area.  

Any proposals with new construction works also have to include a final business case and a benefit cost ratio analysis, with no guarantee of eventual funding. 

Shortlisted applicants will then work with the NSW government to develop funding proposals which will be submitted to the federal government for consideration.   

"We're looking for the next water projects to support our remote and rural communities, improve water quality and security and drive thriving economies and healthy environments," said Executive director of development for NSW DCCEEW, Lisa Hingerty. 

Local councils and irrigator groups contacted said they were not yet in a position to advise whether they would be proceeding with an EOI.

To find out more check out the National Water Grid Fund - NSW Guidelines for Applicants or visit NSW National Water Grid Fund applications.