Cash for regional projects

Two more projects which encompass the Deniliquin and district and Southern Riverina regions will share in more than $2.7 million in Commonwealth funding.

The funding, announced last Friday, will be distributed under round two of the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

In addition to the $450,000 allocation to build a micro abattoir in Barham, more than $1.6 million has been allocated to Murray Dairy Limited for a Fodder for the Future project.

It is expected to assist dairy farmers in the Berrigan-Finley, Kerang-Cohuna and Swan Hill regions.

The intention of the project is to develop ‘closed loop’ fodder production systems across the southern basin and to encourage cross-sectoral collaboration.

Another $1.1 million has been allocated to support a national fair trade-style businesses network, which will take in the West Berriquin, Denimein and Swan Hill regions.

The Follow the Flowers project comprises indigenous groups from the Murray Corridor — NSW, Victoria and South Australia — and the Noongar Land Enterprises Group from south-west Western Australia.

Under the banner of the East West Alliance, the groups are led by not-for-profit indigenous organisation Outback Academy Australia, and are planning to fast-track cooperative indigenous-led businesses for the production of honey, plant-based skincare products, food and tourism.

Outback Academy Australia chair and Yorta Yorta woman Leanne Miller said the organisation aims to drive game-changing approaches to indigenous business, employment, education, health and wellbeing.

‘‘This is a significant movement for the nation and our environment, with major benefits for indigenous and other Australians,’’ she said.