AU: New South Wales budget tackles water security

Water security infrastructure was the big winner for the agriculture sector, out of the New South Wales budget, which was handed down on Tuesday afternoon.

The State Government announced that $1billion would go towards the Safe and Secure Water program, which will prioritise key water infrastructure projects – from local drought backup systems through to new or upgraded dams to secure water supplies for our regions. 

In addition, $78million will be spent on "Sustaining the Basin" in the northern Murray Darling region, including the Irrigated Farm Modernisation program to support water efficiency infrastructure for irrigators. While $18million will be spent on delivering the Murray Darling Basin Plan, which focuses on maximising the productive use of water.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair says it will help secure safe water supplies for our regional communities, protect against pests and disease, ensure sustainable use of natural resources, boost farmers’ productivity, manage biodiversity and support a long-term future for the next generation of farmers.

The State Government will also spend $75 million for the continuation of concessional loans under the Farm Innovation Fund to assist primary producers prepare for future drought.

$182 million will be spent on Local Land Services, including additional funding to support farmers in implementing land management and biodiversity reforms.

The Budget also includes initiatives focused on supporting NSW exporters, who account for 42 per cent of all Australia’s services exports, attracting international investment.

This sees $10 million to support trade and investment activities including funding the network of export advisers around regional NSW which support the state’s $7.4 billion food and agriculture exports. It will also fund the Government’s offshore trade network in our 10 priority markets.

“We are proud of the goods and service produced in our State and we are making sure that every business in NSW has the opportunity to sell its products abroad. We are working closely with the business community, particularly the agriculture and food sector, small businesses and universities to make NSW better for business,” said Mr Blair.

Other initiatives include, $12 million over four years to remove stamp duty on crop and stock insurance, $22 million towards reducing foodborne illness and bolstering consumer education into food safety, and $6 million over four years towards the Young Farmer Business Project to support the next generation of farmers.

“We want to make sure any investment in this sector looks after our farmers and primary producers not just for now, but well into the future, Mr Blair said. “This budget sets the foundation for the next stage of innovation and development, along with our goal to achieve 30 per cent growth in value of primary production by 2020 – a target we are well ahead of.”