$50 MILLION BOOST TO SUCCESSFUL DROUGHT WATER INFRASTRUCTURE REBATE

More Riverina and Central West farmers will have access to practical support to help them cope with drought with the Australian Government committing another $50 million for the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.

Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the rebate could be used to drill new bores, desilt dams and provide more piping for livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent plantings.

“Across the country there are currently more than 2,000 applications that will miss out on funding if we did not make this additional funding available, because the scheme is over-subscribed,” Mr McCormack said.

The Australian Government has made the additional $50 million available this financial year so farmers can maintain animal welfare, keep trees and vines alive and emerge from drought with better tools to help them drive profitability and productivity.

“This investment in our farmers provides rebates of up to 25 per cent of eligible infrastructure costs, capped at $25,000,” Mr McCormack said.

The Federal Government has partnered with the New South Wales State Government which will match the Commonwealth funding for eligible on-farm water infrastructure projects.

“It provides much-needed assistance to improve risk management as well as productivity and profitability,” Mr McCormack said.

“While recent rains are a cause for optimism, our Government understands recovering from drought can take years rather than months.

“This rebate is valuable because it helps farmers manage the here and now when it comes to keeping livestock watered and permanent plantings alive.

“It is even more valuable because the infrastructure investment means they are more productive and better prepared for the next inevitable drought in years to come.”

For more information about the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/water/national/on-farm-infrastructure-rebate

Shane Manning