The Rudd Government is providing a further $2 million in funding to help irrigation water providers develop plans to modernise their irrigation infrastructure, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said today.

Funding of up to $350,000 each is available to irrigation water providers in the Murray-Darling Basin to help them develop modernisation plans.

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said a strong and viable future for irrigation communities was central to the Rudd Government’s plan to get the Murray-Darling Basin back on a sustainable footing.

“In this era of extended drought and climate change, we face a monumental challenge in the Murray-Darling Basin,” Senator Wong said.

“These challenges are compounded by decades of mismanagement in the Murray-Darling Basin. 

“This has resulted in too much water being taken out of the system, and a need to modernise outdated infrastructure.”

Senator Wong said the funding announced today builds on the nearly $5 million in projects that have previously been funded under the Irrigation Modernisation Planning Assistance program.

“So far, 17 irrigation water providers covering 27 irrigation areas throughout Australia have received funding. It has enabled them to consider the range of options available to increase the efficiency of their irrigation systems,” Senator Wong said.

“Within the Murray-Darling Basin alone, this funding has allowed for the preparation of modernisation plans representing more than 75 per cent of water entitlements held in Basin irrigation schemes.

“Many irrigation systems in Australia are more than 80 years old, and this funding helps irrigation communities upgrade their irrigation infrastructure and get the most out of our increasingly scarce water resources.

“I encourage irrigation water providers throughout the Murray-Darling Basin to apply for this funding so they can commission expert advice on how to make their irrigation systems more efficient.”

Guidelines and application forms are available from www.environment.gov.au/water