Communities across the Murray Darling Basin will benefit from water saving infrastructure that helps their communities prepare for a future with less water.

The Minister for Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today announced 12 successful local government applicants would share in Australian Government funding of $25.03 million under the first round of the Water Savings Initiative component of the Strengthening Basin Communities program.

“Across the Basin, many communities are confronting the challenge of securing their water supplies in the face of continuing drought and climate change,” Senator Wong said.

“The Australian Government’s $200 million Strengthening Basin Communities program is helping local councils right across the Basin plan for a future with less water, and to invest in local water saving initiatives.

“We are working in partnership with governments and water service providers to deliver water saving infrastructure that secures a stronger future for Murray Darling Basin communities.”

In October 2009, local councils across the Basin were invited to submit proposals for projects which would improve urban water security by reducing the demand on potable supplies under the Strengthening Basin Communities program.

“Some of the key infrastructure measures that will be implemented by successful applicants include water reuse and recycling schemes, pipeline replacement and leak reduction programs, and other water saving schemes,” Senator Wong said.

“The Australian Government recognises the challenges faced by communities in the Murray Darling Basin in tackling water scarcity and we are committed to helping these communities prepare for a future with less water.”

This announcement confirms the commitment negotiated between the Rudd Government and Senator Nick Xenophon as part of the passage of the Nation Building and Jobs Plan through the Senate during 2009.

A list of the successful applicants is attached.

Senator Wong said that she anticipated a second round of the Water Saving Initiatives component of Strengthening Basin Communities will be announced during 2010-11, affording more local councils in the Murray Darling Basin the opportunity to apply for funding.

Media Contact: Sarika Thach 0457 815 454

Successful applicants under the Strengthening Basin Communities water savings initiative – Round 1

Local Government/ Water Service Provider	State	Project Title	Funding ($)
Wakool Shire Council	NSW	Murray Downs raw water reuse scheme	400,000
Goldenfields Water County Council	NSW	Cowangs Reservoir to Bauloora Reservoir pipeline replacement	7,500,000
Griffith City Council	NSW	Griffith and villages water savings project	659,860
Narrandera Shire Council	NSW	Narrandera sewer reuse scheme	905,299
Coliban Region Water Corporation	VIC	Funding submission for Serpentine alternative water source	1,300,000
District Council of Loxton Waikerie	SA	Loxton water recycling scheme	1,120,000
Maranoa Regional Council	QLD	Maranoa Regional Council water saving initiatives program 2009	24,500
Lachlan Shire Council	NSW	Securing the water supply to Lake Cargelligo, Murrin Bridge, Tullibigeal and Kikiora townships	9,270,000
Central Highlands Region Water Corporation	VIC	Maryborough potable and raw water leak reduction, water main renewal and pressure reduction program	938,000
Bathurst Regional Council	NSW	Waterwise Bathurst – managing water loss through effective and efficient technology	126,524
Macedon Ranges Shire Council	VIC	Expansion of the Kyneton recycled water scheme including linking Kyneton open space	1,237,433
Young Shire Council	NSW	Young sewerage effluent reuse scheme	1,551,000
TOTAL			25,032,616