Article by Cecilia Harris, Australian Water Association
The Australian water sector will receive a raft of new investments from the Federal Government, with the 2020-21 Budget focusing on bolstering water security and regional development.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced three key measures relating to the Australian water sector, including investment in water infrastructure, investment in Murray-Darling Basin communities and investment in the Bureau of Meteorology’s services.
“The Government is building water infrastructure for the 21st century, helping to increase our water security, build regional resilience, deliver jobs and grow our critical agriculture sector,” Frydenberg said.
“An investment of $2 billion for new projects under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund will support the next generation of water infrastructure through the grid.”
The National Water Infrastructure Development Fund is an Australian Government initiative, delivered through the states and territories, that aims to accelerate the assessment of water infrastructure proposals in order to stimulate regional economic activity and development.
Frydenberg has also announced further investment in the Murray-Darling Basin, with the aim of improving environmental health and supporting basin regions, as well as $250 million for the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast and warning service.
“The Government is also investing $270 million in the Murray-Darling Communities Investment Package, which will improve the health of the Basin while supporting regional development,” Frydenberg said.