The Australian Government has announced $72 million in water infrastructure funding for drought affected regions in a special round of the National Water Infrastructure Development Fund. 

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack says the drought round was announced as part of the Government's $1.8 billion drought package.

“Just as the drought evolves, so must our policies. There is no place for set and forget. We will continue to engage with farmers to ensure our drought response meets their needs," McCormack says. 

“Australia has a great story to tell about our farmers and we need to make sure we do what we can to support and protect them now, more than ever.”

State governments and their project partners are now encouraged to apply for a share of this funding, with the release of the EOI guidelines. The guidelines set out the process and requirements for submission and assessment of proposals for funding under the drought round.

Funding under the Drought Round will be provided for the construction of permanent water infrastructure projects that will increase long term water availability and security for primary producers, businesses and communities in drought affected regions. Only permanent water infrastructure projects ready to progress to construction will be considered.

The closing date for EOIs to be submitted is 11 December 2018. Projects must be supported by the relevant state or territory government minister and be ready to progress to construction within 12 months of the closing date, to be considered for funding.

More information on how to apply is available here.