NEARLY $4 million in Federal Government grants have been handed out to community groups undertaking major projects across the Riverland in a substantial boost to the region’s economy.
Three of the recipients – the Renmark Hotel, Berri Riverside Holiday Park and Loxton Retirement Village – are set to undergo multi-million-dollar developments, after each received $1 million in funding through the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
Renmark Hotel will create luxury accommodation, the Berri Riverside Holiday Park will build riverside apartments and the Loxton Retirement Village will construct new retirement units.
“This federal support is essential in securing ongoing job opportunities for our community,” said Steve Jaensch, Renmark Hotel chairperson.
The Riverland Events Centre, Barmera Golf Club, Rotary Club of Waikerie and District Council of Loxton Waikerie also received funding for projects as part of the third round of the program.
Barker MP Tony Pasin – who visited the Riverland with week to hand out funding – said the grants would help strengthen and diversify the economies of local communities impacted by aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“Each of the projects selected to receive funding so far under round three will help communities by using local suppliers and resources as well as through local knowledge to drive the best outcomes for our region,” he said.
Federal Minister for Resources and Water, Keith Pitt, said further successful projects creating jobs in Murray-Darling Basin communities would be announced as they are approved and finalised.
“We are providing opportunities for Basin communities affected by the Murray–Darling Basin Plan to be at the heart of decisions on how to stimulate their economies,” he said.
“The approved projects will create new jobs as they are delivered as well as enduring employment opportunities, increase the capacity of communities to diversify and strengthen their local economies, and help them to manage their current and future economic challenges and changes.
“This program recognises that communities know how best to tackle the challenges they face, and what kinds of economic activity would support people in their own areas.
“Across the Basin, people have been dealing with the biggest water reform in Australia’s history along with drought, demographic changes and commodity price changes.”

And the winners are...
- THE RENMARK HOTEL: Hotel redevelopment and refurbishment – $1 million
- BERRI WAR MEMORIAL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Berri Riverside Holiday Park riverside apartments development – $1 million
- DISTRICT COUNCIL OF LOXTON WAIKERIE: Loxton Retirement Village development project – $1 million
- DISTRICT COUNCIL OF LOXTON WAIKERIE: Loxton river tourism project – $382,100
- ROTARY CLUB OF WAIKERIE: Waikerie Clifftop Walk upgrade project – $356,500
- BARMERA GOLF CLUB: Amenities upgrade – $104,620
- RIVERLAND FIELD DAYS: Riverland Events Centre shower block – $88,000