Funding for investment in projects that improve business and industry sustainability
The NSW Sustainable Communities Program Business and Industry Round provides grants for projects that improve business and industry sustainability, retain and create local jobs, and generate lasting economic growth in vulnerable NSW southern Basin communities.
It supports initiatives such as business productivity improvements, diversification, asset activation, industry-led programs, and eligible innovation and research projects.
Projects must be delivered within an eligible NSW Basin LGA: Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Federation, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera or Wentworth.
Eligible applicants are:
- a company incorporated in Australia
- a legally binding partnership or trust
- a registered training organisation
- an incorporated association, public or private not-for-profit organisation, or co-operative
- an Australian university or nationally accredited provider of tertiary education
- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)
- a Local Aboriginal Land Council
- an eligible Local Government organisation in an eligible LGA
- or a NSW Joint Organisation of Councils and/or Regional Organisation of Councils
Applicants must have an ABN or ACN, or be registered under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 or another relevant Act; be financially viable and provide 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet statements; hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of at least $20 million per occurrence, or equivalent/better self-insurance; be fit and proper; not be insolvent, bankrupt or subject to ongoing legal proceedings; declare no known reputational or other risks to the NSW Government; have previous project delivery experience; and provide evidence of capacity to meet the minimum co-contribution.
Eligible projects must meet delivery timeframes, provide land ownership evidence or landowner consent and access arrangements where relevant, identify necessary approvals and demonstrate they can be obtained within six months of notification, and must not substantively increase irrigated water use over the investment life.
Projects must commence within six months of the funding deed commencement date and be completed by 2029-05-31.
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Last updated: 21 July 2026