Sustainable Communities Program
The South Australian Sustainable Communities Program provides $20 million to mitigate the social and economic impacts of water recovery in River Murray communities. The funding is for direct in-place investment in priority projects that are identified and co-designed with community. Projects will include those that aim to:
- retain and create new jobs
- establish new industries
- support existing industries to diversify and value add.
The South Australian Sustainable Communities Program will focus on working with communities to find local solutions that build capacity, help diversify economies and prepare for a future with less water.
Investment will be targeted and outcome-focused to meet the unique needs of South Australia's most affected River Murray communities.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is leading the Sustainable Communities Program in South Australia with support from the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
The Federation Funding Agreement (FFA) to deliver the Sustainable Communities Program in South Australia has been signed by the Australian and South Australian governments and PIRSA will continue to engage with River Murray communities affected by water buybacks to identify community priorities and co-design South Australia's program.
South Australia's Sustainable Communities Program will start to roll out later in 2025 and be delivered over 4 years, concluding on 30 June 2028.
Updates on the regional place-based consultation, program guidelines and program delivery will be provided in due course.
Background
The funding has been secured from the Australian Government's Sustainable Communities Program which provides $300 million over 4 years to provide adjustment assistance to Murray–Darling Basin communities impacted by the recovery of 450 gigalitres of water for the environment.
The Sustainable Communities Program is provided alongside water recovery activities.