“Regional prosperity should not be a zero-sum game.”
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That is the message from a body of local councils, which has expressed concern over the competitive nature of round one of the Sustainable Communities Program.
The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) said the initial round is seeing fierce competition for a limited pool of $15 million in grants for industry, councils, not-for-profits and community groups.
Causing further concern is the ‘first in, best dressed’ approach.
RAMJO comprises 11 councils in the Riverina and Murray - Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River and Murrumbidgee.
Combined they have a Gross Regional Product of $11.23 billion.
Each of the councils is eligible to apply for the funding, which was opened on March 13, and forms part of a $160 million allocation for all of NSW, intended to alleviate negative impacts resulting from the Federal Government's water-buy back purchases.
RAMJO chair and Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said the processes surrounding the fund not only creates competition, but raises concerns about the nature of the projects that might be approved.
“Our members are becoming increasingly concerned that the current and still to be determined structure of the Sustainable Communities Program pits communities and councils against each other for essential funding, rather than fostering widespread collaboration, equitable resource distribution and long-term solutions to our region’s economic livelihood,”“ Cr McRae said.
“Many of our members are prioritising the completion of innovative, shovel-ready projects that align with the program’s goals as a priority, as we were advised round one applications will be assessed on a first in, best dressed basis.
“We can only hope that future rounds are more strategic and not this competitive.”
Despite the NSW Government opposing water-buy backs, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has agreed to undertake administering the Sustainable Communities Program, including community consultation, grant application processes and assessment on behalf of the Federal Government for the full $160 million allocation for NSW.
“Although we commend and welcome DPIRD’s efforts in meeting with our region’s council, industry and community leaders, I think many of us walked away with a sense of unease at the apparent lack of understanding of the ongoing critical issues our region faces, which we fear will only be exacerbated by continued water buybacks,” Cr McRae said.
RAMJO executive officer Yvonne Lingua highlighted existing challenges the region faces, which RAMJO believes need to be addressed to have any chance at enabling sustainable communities.
“The $160 million, of which we have no guarantee will be allocated for Southern Basin Communities which are tipped to be most affected by the latest rounds of water buybacks, will not go far in addressing our region’s immediate need for improved energy security and digital connectivity, the bare minimum for any community needing to diversify economic output,” she said.
Ms Lingua further explained that some RAMJO local government areas experience regular brown-outs due to grid capacity constraints, particularly on hot days.
“In addition to being the food bowl of the nation, we are now contributing to our nation’s power supply through the South-West Renewable Energy Zone, yet we have not secured our own energy needs which is critical to ensuring we can attract sustainable industries to our region for our economic viability which is being directly threatened by the buybacks,” she said.
With a Federal Election around the corner on May 3, RAMJO calls on the Federal Government to immediately and more thoroughly assess the impact of water buy-backs on not only Southern Basin communities, but on all Australians.
“It’s not difficult to understand that when our regional communities can’t produce our nation’s food, our pressures are quickly felt in the city with a rise in food costs and a reliance on low-quality overseas imports,” Cr McRae said.
“We’ve seen this time and time again, and we urge our city counterparts to consider the hugely significant role our regions play in maintaining our nation’s high standard of living, and seek their support in ensuring equitable access to the basics such as the chance to earn a living, energy security and digital connectivity.”
RAMJO is calling for strong leadership and transparency over water buyback purchasing methodologies, at both the state and federal level, and an immediate commitment to addressing serious concerns around the impact of water buybacks and the lack of strategic, long term planning from governments in ensuring the region’s livelihood.
It has reiterated its position as a solutions based and knowledgeable asset that state and federal government could easily leverage off to immediately address these concerns.
“Regional prosperity should not be a zero sum game,” Cr McRae said.
“RAMJO remains committed to working with all levels of government to enable thriving and sustainable communities”.
To view RAMJO’s Water, Transport and Energy Security Strategies and see how its member councils are working collaboratively to improve outcomes for RAMJO communities, go to www.ramjo.nsw.gov.au.
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