$1.038 Million Funding Boost to Unlock Berri Housing Growth

$1.038 million for Berri housing growth

Much-needed housing and development opportunities in Berri have received a significant boost, with council receiving a $1.038 million grant for planning and infrastructure upgrades.

The $1.038 million in Sustainable Communities Program funding comprises an Investment Ready grant for $910,000 to increase the capacity of CWMS pump stations for the Berri West Growth Precinct and an Investment Feasibility grant for $128,000 for a costed infrastructure plan, also for the Berri West Growth Precinct.

These projects are funded by the Australian Government’s Sustainable Communities Program and will enable up to 750 housing allotments in Berri West.

Berri Barmera Council Mayor Ella Winnall said the grants were a “welcome outcome” for the community.

“Growth doesn't happen without infrastructure and this funding recognises the role local government plays in proactively enabling a bright future for our community,” she said.

“This funding outcome reflects years of work and advocacy by Council and our commitment to ensuring Berri – and other areas within our area – are ready for future growth.

“The feasibility planning and wastewater upgrades funded through this grant will remove key barriers that have prevented viable development within the Berri West.

“This is a transformational investment as it will strengthen Berri's capacity to grow while delivering long-term benefits for our community, local businesses and future generations."

In addition to removing key barriers such as road and Community Wastewater Management System connections, the project will also facilitate the opportunity for transition of existing irrigated land within Berri West.

"Like many regional communities, we are seeing changes in agricultural land use and increasing demand for housing,” Mayor Winnall said.

“The Berri West growth project is an opportunity to respond to both challenges, and we will continue to focus on unlocking growth across our council district."

This project is delivered by Berri Barmera Council and funded by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water through the Australian Government’s Sustainable Communities Program.

Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven MLC

“The Malinauskas Government welcomes the Commonwealth’s investment in the critical infrastructure and planning that will unlock new homes and opportunities for our regions”.

“The Berri West Growth Precinct will deliver residential and business growth to the Riverland”.

“It’s great to see the Sustainable Communities Program providing targeted support to our River Murray communities and backing key projects that will deliver a stronger future for residents and businesses.”