The total funding pool will support 20 projects across the southern Murray-Darling Basin, and is expected to help create and retain 624 jobs as communities continue to adapt to the Australian Government's water recovery program.
Among the largest allocations is $4.59 million for Murrumbidgee Council to redevelop the Darlington Point Caravan and Tourism Park.
The project will deliver 14 new elevated cabins, 47 caravan and recreational vehicle sites and upgraded visitor facilities, improving the park's resilience to flooding while strengthening the town's tourism offering.
Food manufacturing will also receive a significant injection, with Sun Valley Australia Pty Ltd securing almost $2 million to accelerate completion of the final stage of its Finley food manufacturing facility.
The project will increase production capacity and incorporate an off-grid renewable energy system aimed at supporting both domestic and export growth.
At Darlington Point, the Trustee for the AgField Development Fund Unit Trust has been awarded $1.1 million to deliver intersection upgrades and an internal access road that will unlock 73 hectares of industrial land within the Sturt Highway Industrial Precinct.
Meanwhile, MON Natural Foods Pty Ltd will receive $950,000 to install a new production line at Barooga, expanding mayonnaise and sauce manufacturing capacity and replacing about four million imported jars each year with locally produced alternatives.
Blighty-based Yurunga Farms has secured $4.91 million to replace its ageing dairy with a modern facility.
The upgrade is expected to increase annual milk production from 18.4 million litres to as much as 32 million litres without requiring any additional water allocation.
Also awarded funding was the Deniliquin Livestock Quarantine Centre Pty Ltd, with $1.93 million to upgrade Rivbeef's feedlot.
The project includes improved cattle pens and shade structures, a new feed mill, weighbridge and solar power system, lifting cattle-feeding and resting capacity by 10 per cent.
The projects are being funded through the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program, delivered by the NSW Government through the $160 million NSW Sustainable Communities Program's Business and Industry Round.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment was designed to strengthen regional industries and secure future employment opportunities.
“The announcement is about backing the future of businesses and industries in the Southern NSW Murray-Darling Basin to deliver 624 new jobs and maintain existing local jobs.
“This round of funding is responding to what we've heard from locals, and I congratulate the 20 successful applicants for stepping forward with projects that have stood up to protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience.
“These projects all support local businesses in the Southern Basin to increase their productivity, explore new opportunities and build long-term resilience in the face of challenges.
“While we don't support water buybacks, we are determined to ensure local industries and towns have the infrastructure, equipment and opportunities they need to stay strong and competitive.”
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