Australian government funds regional water and road projects

The Australian government has announced significant funding for regional infrastructure and resource efficiency. In New South Wales, the Sustainable Communities Program, supported by Murray-Darling funding, has reached a total investment of $174.5 million. Key projects include $4.15 million for Rice Breeding Australia to develop water-efficient rice varieties in Leeton, and $4.9 million for Yurunga Farms to modernize dairy facilities in Blighty. Additionally, BioAg will receive $3.4 million for expansion in Narrandera, while Barham Avocados will receive $200,000 to test agave plants for energy and livestock feed. Wentworth Shire Council is also slated to receive $3.75 million for water infrastructure upgrades.

In South Australia, $22.7 million in Commonwealth-funded grants through the Special Local Roads Program will support 27 projects across 22 local governments. The funding is divided into $16.47 million for regional projects and $6.27 million for metropolitan works. These projects aim to improve road safety, reliability, and freight routes through reconstruction, widening, and drainage improvements.