Councils, local water utilities, water corporations and dam owners are invited to apply for funding for projects targeting water health and security, such as those related to town water security, catchment scale water security and wastewater management.

Rice grower and water advocate Debbie Buller said the program, “has a beautiful sounding name”. 

“Everyone would agree with the principle that we need safe and secure water, but the process involved to secure funding seems very complicated,” Ms Buller said. 

“Some of the safety measures and terms of reference seems way over the top.”

Ms Buller said the vast amount of government programs and regulation in this space tend to neglect the urgent need to improve and protect water quality. 

Veteran scientist Geoff Sainty has said water quality across the MIA seems to be in terminal decline, and nothing is being done to stop the rot. 

“From an ecological standpoint, we have a scientific non-intelligent community,” he said. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro, though, said the Safe and Secure Water Program will deliver high quality water services throughout regional NSW.

“This is one of the most significant investments in water security in the state’s history ensuring that people and families who choose to live in regional NSW have the same access to the services and vital infrastructure as those that live in the city.”

Ms Buller doubts this commitment, and said access to safe water is hampered by too much bureaucracy and lack of coordination. 

“According to my count, there are at least 19 government bodies that regulate water in our region,” she said.  

“And they compete with each other instead of working together.”