Three projects in Lyons are among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, said the Morrison Coalition Government recognised the importance of projects that improve water security for regional and rural communities across Tasmania.

“The three projects will each receive $5 million of Federal funding to deliver enhanced water quality and increase water reliability,” Senator Chandler said.

“These investments will provide agricultural producers and industries an essential resource, improve water quality to help our vital aquaculture industry, and drive investment and create jobs in regional areas.

“I am proud to be working as part of a Government that is delivering this kind of critical water investment in Tasmania.”

The funded projects in Lyons are:

• $5 million for the Greater Meander Irrigation Scheme Augmentation
• $5 million for Shellfish Lease Water Quality Improvement Program
• $5 million for the Penna Recycled Water Scheme Expansion project

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said through this funding pathway, the Australian Government is investing in packages of water infrastructure projects brought forward by states and territories right across the country to improve water reliability and efficiency.

“The National Water Grid Connections is all about driving the construction of smaller-scale projects over the next two years to provide short term economic stimulus,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The cumulative impact for the National Water Grid will be significant. Collectively, these projects are expected to support over 7,000 hectares of irrigable land and connect 400 new customers. An additional 13,000 customers are expected to benefit from improved water access or reliability.

“Up to 1,175 jobs will be supported during construction, with over 2,550 ongoing and up to 500 more seasonal jobs set to be created nationally.

“The $3.5 billion National Water Grid Fund is paving the way to national water security, while promoting local economic activity and job creation along the way.”

Up to $20 million was made available for each state and territory to deliver projects over the next two years, with an Australian Government contribution of up to $5 million per project.

For further information, visit www.nationalwatergrid.gov.au.