Almost $90 million worth of water infrastructure project will be delivered across South Australia to enhance water security, stimulate regional economies and create hundreds of jobs.
The 10 projects range from delivering additional water to Barossa Valley wine producers, to supporting water efficient, high technology glass houses for growing vegetables at Virginia.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham said the projects will provide a significant boost to South Australia’s agriculture industry.
“We know water is a critical resource for a successful agriculture sector and these 10 projects across South Australia will grow jobs by delivering new and affordable water, enhancing water security and helping stimulate regional economic development,” Basham said.
“These projects will both support existing primary industries and allow for new and expanded agriculture to be undertaken in some of South Australia’s most important agricultural areas.
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“The pork, olive, vegetable, horticultural and wine industries will all benefit from this new partnership between the South Australian and Commonwealth governments.”
Initial long-term estimates indicate that at full production, the projects collectively would support around 800 jobs.
Acting Environment and Water Minister Stephen Patterson said the 10 projects would lead to both economic and environmental benefits.
“In a state where water is a precious commodity it’s important we invest in projects which improve sustainability and resilience,” Patterson said.
“These 10 projects will boost water efficiency in our agricultural sector which is not only good for our economy and exports of food, wine and agriculture while at the same time being good for the environment as well.”