Bush Summit 2022: Murray Darling Basin boost as feds turn tap on $2.4m funding

A water efficiency project near Hay will deliver 60 Olympic swimming pools of the precious resource back into the Murray Darling Basin.

A water saving project in NSW delivering 60 Olympic swimming pools of the precious resource back into the Murray Darling Basin will receive $2.4 million in federal funding.

Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek will announce the funds for the Nap Nap Station Water Efficiency Project near Hay on Friday ahead of The Daily Telegraph Bush Summit.

The project would recover around 150 megalitres annually, making it an important contribution toward the required 450 gigalitre savings target to protect the environment and deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full.

Ms Plibersek said water recovery targets were important, not just for the millions who live and work in the Basin, but for all Australians.

“In the past six weeks, I’ve been listening to stakeholders in every Basin jurisdiction while visiting many of the significant sites,” she said.

Tanya Plibersek will unveil the funding on Friday. Picture: Adam Yip

“When it comes to water recovery, nothing is off the table. I’m open to hearing all ideas on how to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full.”

Ms Plibersek said the Nap Nap Station off-farm efficiency measures were an important part of preparing the Murray Darling Basin for the future.

“I’ll be encouraging my state and territory counterparts to continue to explore all opportunities to contribute towards the water recovery targets including finding new and innovative projects to save water and use it more effectively,” she said.

NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson said the Nap Nap Station project aligned with the state government’s view for “healthy rivers, healthy farms and healthy communities”.

“It’s great to see a landholder motivated to improve water quality for stock and domestic uses, improve co-benefit outcomes for the local community all the while contributing towards water recovery efforts that benefit the environment,” he said.

Upgraded pipes, pump and tanks to reduce water losses including evaporation and seepage are part of the Nap Nap Station project.

It would also provide water access points for the Rural Fire Service, and provide benefits to the local economy through local purchasing and employment opportunities.

The water infrastructure is designed to increase the drought resilience and preparedness of Nap Nap Station, which would improve the conditions for animals on the property.

The Daily Telegraph’s 2022 Bush Summit will be streamed online live and free on Friday August 26. Register to watch here: https://bushsummit2022-dailytelegraph.splashthat.com/

Originally published as Bush Summit 2022: Murray Darling Basin boost as feds turn tap on $2.4m funding