An ageing pump station will be revitalised as part of a $7.8 million program to refurbish infrastructure in the NSW town of Howlong.

Federation Council received funding to carry out the works through Round 2 of the Sustainable Communities Program, which is contributing $69 million all up to support 14 new infrastructure and community development projects in the Murray–Darling Basin.

Alongside upgrades to the Howlong pump station, local water storage will be increased to seven megalitres. This will help meet increased housing demand and support population and business growth.

Other projects include $5.56 million for Griffith City Council to deliver new and upgrade roads in the Lake Wynganhousing precinct and $20 million to support the establishment of two hemp processing and manufacturing facilities at Barham and Carrathool.

The next $50 million Business and Industry round of grants is now open, with Murray–Darling businesses able to apply until August 3.

“The $69 million in projects announced today, together with the new $50 million Business and Industry round, represents a significant investment that will create jobs, attract skilled workers and drive the Murray Darling regional economy,” NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt echoed these sentiments.

“The science tells us that we need to recover water to secure the long-term environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin and the jobs and communities that rely on it,” he said.

“In delivering a healthy river system, we need to support communities to adjust, which is why we’ve committed a record $300 million in funding to help minimise social and economic impacts of water recovery, including $160 million for Basin communities in NSW.”

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