The grant comes in the latest round of the Energise Enterprise program which aims to assist communities affected by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, diversify and adjust to a water constrained environment.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said the funds will help towns like Gunnedah transition to non-irrigated industries and drive job growth in those fields.

“If Gunnedah businesses could take on 1-2 more employees, that would be massive,” Mr Coulton said.

“It’s about strengthening what we have.”

He said three workshops will take place in Gunnedah to raise awareness of new market opportunities and strategies to extend business capability.

State MP Kevin Anderson said there was a need to prioritise “what needs to be done” to ensure Gunnedah’s long-term prosperity.

He said many local business owners and operators were so heavily involved “in” the business, they often forgot to work “on” the business and develop plans for future growth. 

Mr Anderson said workshops like those mentioned will go a long way in strengthening Gunnedah’s commercial and industrial interests.

Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce president Michael Broekman said the funding boost will help on a number of fronts throughout 2017 and beyond.

Projects include an upcoming trade delegation to China, which will highlight our region’s investment potential to the overseas market.

The chamber is also keen to encourage homegrown trade skills and has set a new set date in April for the rescheduled Try-a-Trade promotion aimed at local youth.

“We’re grateful for this funding to help us create more opportunity for growth,” Mr Broekman said.

Around the region, Narrabri Shire Council was also awarded $25,000 earlier this month through the Energise Enterprise program. They plan to invest the funding in development of a North West Rural Training Centre.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro, said the funding would help ensure the future of regional towns.