FEDERAL Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the opportunity for those constituents in the New England Electorate to secure funding to create more jobs, strengthen and diversify their economies.

 

The Australian and NSW governments have announced the latest round of the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme, with a total of more than $14 million of funding available to communities in NSW most impacted by the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

 

Mr Joyce said the announcement of a Regional Business Investment Fund would open a funding stream, up to $10 million that will be available for business investment projects that result in the creation of new jobs.

 

He said these include, expanding a business, establishing a business; and building economic infrastructure.

 

“Businesses, local government, not-for-profit organisations and NSW Government agencies are eligible for this funding stream,” Mr Joyce said.

 

He said another $4.1 million is available through the Energise Enterprise fund, which is an investment in small businesses and capability building projects with $25,000 one-off grants or $40,000 matched grants available for projects that encourage businesses to develop skills or focus on small community economic development projects

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said funding would again target business investment projects.

 

“This round will also provide a new funding stream for small capability building projects and economic development projects that support economic diversification,” Mr Truss said.

 

“Today’s announcement represents a major opportunity to support a wide range of projects that can contribute to strengthening and diversifying regional economies in NSW.”

 

NSW Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro said the Australian and NSW governments were investing in regional projects that will create new jobs and increase the economic output of local economies.

 

In this round $14 million will be available across two funding streams to projects with the potential to drive significant job outcomes or support small businesses, small capability building projects and economic development projects that support economic diversification.

 

For more information please visit: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/murraydarlingfund