The federal government is doubling its cash contribution for the Wyangala and Dungowan dam projects in New South Wales, providing an additional $283.5 (US$206.7) million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Michael McCormack says the cash injection, as part of the 2020/21 budget, shows how serious the government is about getting the dams built.
“We want to deliver critical water infrastructure projects for rural and regional communities because increased water security supports growth in Australian agriculture, creating new jobs and supporting existing ones as we build greater resilience to drought and floods.”
The additional money will increase the commitment for the Dungowan Dam, 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Tamworth, to $242 million and for the Wyangala Dam, 40 kilometres from Cowra, to $325 million.
This new capital grant funding replaces previous loan arrangements agreed with the NSW government.
“We know the economic road out of this pandemic relies on funding major infrastructure to support local communities and create jobs and these dam projects will do exactly that,” McCormack said.
“Negotiations on the funding agreement for the Dungowan and Wyangala projects are close to being finalised and main construction works will begin after the environmental approvals are in place.”
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