States and territories get $25 million for planning better national water infrastructure

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, today announced a call for expressions of interest under the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund. States and territories are invited to apply for a share in $25 million of funding to undertake feasibility studies to support water infrastructure projects across the country including new dams.

"The fund will support new and augmented water infrastructure, including dams, pipelines and managed aquifer recharge projects around Australia, to secure the nation's water supplies and to deliver strong economic benefits while also protecting our environment," Mr Joyce said.

"Under the feasibility component of the fund, state and territory governments can apply for funding to undertake the critical early planning work including technical, environmental and economic assessments on specific water infrastructure projects. We have committed $50 million in funding for this component, with $25 million available in the current round.

"I encourage other organisations to partner with their relevant state government to help plan for the nation-building projects we need to secure our water into the future."

More information is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Water Resources website.