Ecological studies for Lowbidgee's Nimmie Caira system to start soon
The state's Primary Industries Minister is hopeful cultural and ecological studies in the Lowbidgee will begin shortly, to further progress the Nimmie Caira project.
The $180m scheme involves the sale of land and water entitlements from 11 properties on the Murrumbidgee between Hay and Balranald, and is a key part of the state government's commitment to the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Katrina Hodgkinson says the state has already acquired the assets involved and has initiated the transfer for 381,000 units of supplementary Lowbidgee water to the Commonwealth.
"Over the next two months, the government will be inviting tenders for ecological and cultural heritage work in that area," she said.
"Finalising short term competitive commercial use of the land for after July 1 this year, and also seeking the advice of the community advisory committee on a public access policy for short term and future land management arrangements.
"It's all systems go.
"Since the committees have been established the state government's successfully acquired the land and water assets from those property owners.
Over the next two months, the government will be inviting tenders for ecological and cultural heritage work in that area, finalising short term competitive commercial use of the land for after July 1 this year, and also seeking the advice of the community advisory committee on a public access policy for short term and future land management arrangements.
"We've established occupancy licences on a commercial basis with the former owners up until June of this year and we've also initiated the transfer of 381,000 units of Murrumbidgee supplementary water entitlement to the Commonwealth."
Meanwhile, Ms Hodgkinson is assuring communities affected by the Murray Darling Basin Plan, funding for irrigation efficiency programs will begin to flow soon.
The state government's approval of the Basin Plan late last month opened up $80m over eight years for infrastructure projects.
The Mayor of Griffith, John Dal Broi, has previously told the ABC funding for irrigation projects has been held up while negotiations between the state and federal governments were ongoing about the plan.
Ms Hodgkinson is urging patience.
"Look, it does take time to work through these things," she said.
"The Office of Water is doing a great job in liaising with the Commonwealth bureaucrats in relation to this.
"The agreement's only just been signed.
"The ink is almost still wet, but we will work through as quickly as we can to secure those funds and get them into projects."