Arabic version: مشروع سد ويلكانيا يواجه تأخيرًا جديدًا بسبب مشاكل التمويل

The long-awaited Wilcannia Weir project has encountered yet another setback, leaving the local community disheartened. For over 30 years, residents have advocated for the replacement of the outdated weir on the Darling River. Recently, the NSW government committed $70 million to the project, but it requires an additional $60 million from the federal government to move forward. According to ABC News, the federal government has stated it will not provide funding without a detailed business case.

The community’s disappointment is palpable, especially after the project seemed to gain momentum. Australian Floodplain Association chairman Justin McClure expressed the community’s frustration, highlighting that they have been waiting for a solution for decades. He criticized the bureaucratic processes that hinder progress and emphasized the need for the government to recognize the importance of small communities like Wilcannia.

NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson shared her disappointment over the federal government’s decision, acknowledging the community’s feelings of distrust towards government promises. She indicated a commitment from the NSW government to continue advocating for the weir’s construction, but stressed the necessity of federal support.

Local independent MP for Barwon Roy Butler described the funding shortfall as a bitter blow, asserting that the state’s contribution should be sufficient for the federal government to act. He warned that without federal support, regional projects like the Wilcannia Weir will struggle to progress. Central Darling Shire Council chair Bob Stewart echoed these sentiments, labeling the announcement as extremely disappointing for a community that has waited more than 30 years for the weir.

The federal government, represented by Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt, has committed $15 million since 2018 towards improving outcomes for the First Nations community in Wilcannia, with a portion allocated to the proposed weir project. However, the requirement for a detailed business case remains a significant hurdle. McClure criticized the ongoing delays as a political maneuver, calling it a “cop-out” and expressing frustration over the lack of accountability between state and federal governments.