Minister's Sustainable Communities Fund silence disappoints Council

Published on 29 September 2026

Gannawarra Shire Council is disappointed that Federal Water Minister Murray Watt has not responded to Council's request for discussions regarding the allocation of the Commonwealth's $150 million Sustainable Communities Fund.

Council resolved at its September 2026 meeting to write to the Federal Water Minister seeking assurance that the Sustainable Communities Fund would be directed towards communities most impacted by water recovery under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and to advocate for a place-based funding model that reflects historic losses, current economic dependency and future transition needs.

"For more than 20 years, our community has been dealing with the impacts of water recovery. We've formally asked for a conversation about how this funding can best support our future, and we're disappointed that request has gone unanswered," Mayor Garner Smith said.

"Local people understand the challenges our communities face because they've lived them. That's why it's so important that the communities most affected by water recovery are included in discussions about how this funding is spent."

Council has consistently argued that the Sustainable Communities Fund should support communities to transition, diversify and build resilience following water recovery, rather than being diluted through excessive administration and planning processes.

"The Sustainable Communities Fund was created to help communities transition, diversify and build resilience. To achieve that, the money needs to reach the communities that have been most affected and be invested in projects that deliver real benefits on the ground," Mayor Smith said.

"We don't want to look back in 10 years' time and see a missed opportunity. This funding can make a genuine difference, but only if local communities are part of the conversation and the investment is directed where it's needed most.

"Council remains committed to working with all levels of government to secure a funding approach that delivers tangible outcomes for communities impacted by water recovery and supports long-term prosperity across northern Victoria."