The NSW Government handed down its state budget last week, but there was little targeted funding for the townships of Hay or Balranald.

Instead, the region may benefit from a two-year spend of $6 million to support asset and infrastructure works in Central Darling Shire – including Ivanhoe – as the shire moves out of administration.

The Gayini project, located between Maude and Balranald and owned and managed by Nari Nari Tribal Council, will receive $780,000 to repair infrastructure damaged in the 2022 floods.

The Budget continues to provide cost of living relief to pensioners, with $78.5 million in 2025-26 for council rates concessions.

Hay will also likely benefit from the $250 million redevelopment of Griffith Hospital, and state-wide the Minns Government says $272.7 million will be invested in domestic, family and sexual violence services, and to support victim-survivors.

“The Government understands that victim-survivors face unique barriers in regional communities,” a spokesperson said.

“This funding will strengthen service delivery and increase avenues for women and children across the state to seek help and safety.”

A further $49.4 million will fund a trauma-informed hub to support victim-survivors, including those who have experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, who are participating in legal proceedings.

$319.1 million has been allocated to the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Program to improve river health and increase the amount of water returned to the environment and $255.6 million for the Murray and Murrumbidgee River Constraints Program to increase connections to the Murrumbidgee and Murray River systems.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 2 July 2025.