THE NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest to participate in the next round of funding applications for the Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund to help drought-proof water supplies and improve water security for country and regional New South Wales.

Regional councils, local water utilities, irrigation water cooperatives and irrigation trusts, First Nations organisations, water corporations, private corporations and science and research agencies are invited to apply for co-funding for priority water infrastructure and research projects across the state, under one of three streams: Capital Program, First Nations Infrastructure Program and Science Program.

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

Also included are projects to address water challenges faced by regional and remote First Nations communities, such as upgrading networks, drilling and equipping bores and installing water treatment systems.

The National Water Grid Fund also invests in scientific research to drive long-term, economically sound, environmentally sustainable and culturally responsive outcomes and will work closely with the shortlisted applicants to develop funding proposals for priority projects, which the NSW Government will submit to the Australian Government for consideration.

The proposals must clearly demonstrate how projects will provide long-term benefits for local communities or industry sectors by improving water security and supply resilience and helping to unlock economic development in the area.

NSW DCCEEW executive director of development, Lisa Hingerty said the National Water Grid Fund has supported the delivery of some of New South Wales’ most significant water infrastructure and scientific research projects.

“We want to see what’s next in the pipeline,” Ms Hingerty said.

“This includes $13.7 million in co-funding from the National Water Grid Fund, NSW and local governments for a major infrastructure project delivering a more reliable water network to West Wyalong. The project replaced ageing pipelines with a new 8km pipeline and 6km reticulation main, and built a new transfer pump station and reservoir, locking in efficient water delivery system that will serve the community for decades to come.

The Walcha Storage Dam, one of the Australian Water Grid Projects co-funded with the NSW Government and completed in October 2024.

“The National Water Grid Fund also invested $1.5 million, along with $1.5 million from NSW, for a preliminary business case examining the best solutions to address water reliability issues for Bermagui, whose supply system has the highest unaddressed risk on the South Coast, particularly during drought.

“The remote village of Tabulam in the Northern Rivers is also on the path to securing its first drinking water supply network, thanks to $200,000 from the National Water Grid Fund and a matching investment from Kyogle Council,” she said.

“These are just some of the projects underway that are crucial for the future growth and prosperity of these towns and regions and will boost water reliability and security for decades to come.

“Now 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, which is why we encourage parties to submit their Expression of Interest by February 27.”

Proponents can either apply for funding for individual projects or a package of programs, and proposals must outline the full scope of work and costs. For any new construction works, a Final Business Case must support the application with a robust Benefit Cost Ratio Analysis.

Expressions of interest for the next funding round must be submitted no later than 11pm (AEDT) on Thursday, February 27.

The selection process is open and competitive.

Applicants are encouraged to check and adhere to the NSW Government’s criteria, requirements and dates specified in the National Water Grid Fund – NSW Guidelines for Applicants.

For more information and to apply, visit NSW National Water Grid Fund applications.

For more information on how the NSW and Australian Governments work together to deliver National Water Grid projects, Click HERE