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The regeneration of Australia’s food and farming systems
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The regeneration of Australia’s food and farming systems
Two people turning on an outside tap and smiling at the camera.
A farm growing plants in rows.
Two people turning on an outside tap and smiling at the camera.
A farm growing plants in rows.
19 March 2023
19 March 2023

Permanent Water Funding

MCWB is ensuring permanent rights to water for Sunraysia

Grant Amount: $20,000

Region: Mildura, Victoria

Delivered by: Mildura Community Water Bank

Year funded: 2022

Project status: Complete

The Challenge

Access to water for farmers in Mildura is a significant issue due to the region's reliance on the Murray River for irrigation and the challenges posed by prolonged droughts and water allocation policies. The fluctuating availability and high cost of water have made it difficult for small-scale farmers to secure the necessary resources to sustain their crops. This scarcity is exacerbated by the commodification of water rights, where larger agricultural enterprises can often outbid smaller farmers, leading to unequal access and financial strain on those with fewer resources. Additionally, the ongoing impacts of climate change further threaten water security, making reliable irrigation a critical concern for the agricultural community in Mildura.

The Innovation

Sustainable Table supported the Mildura Community Water Bank (MCWB) to secure permanent water allocations, ensuring the bank's sustainability for the future. These water rights are committed to the long-term benefit of the community and will never be sold.

The project's key objectives were to:

  • Build a portfolio of water rights through donations to support sustainable farming, direct-to-consumer food consumption, and the health of river systems.
  • Collaborate with community partners, including Food Next Door and Out of the Box, to ensure that locally grown produce and sustainable small-scale agriculture remain central to Sunraysia's economy and community wellbeing.

Why did Sustainable Table fund this project?

Sustainable Table funded the Mildura Community Water Bank (MCWB) due to its innovative community ownership model of water assets, which addresses the critical issue of scarce and escalating water prices—a key barrier to food security and profitability for small farmers. The project helps to mitigate many inequalities prevalent in irrigation areas, making it a valuable and desired model for other communities facing similar challenges. By securing water for smallholders, the MCWB allows smaller farmers to thrive and new farmers to establish themselves, thus adding significant value to the local food system. This initiative is highly regarded within the community and demonstrates great potential for replication, offering substantial benefits to numerous communities across the region.

Please consider donating today to help us support more projects like this and regenerate Australian food and farming.