Farmers will be given another 12 months to apply for funding from the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme (EWIRS) to help them build much needed infrastructure to make their properties drought resilient.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said farmers will now have until June 2022 to utilise the $50 million in funding secured for the EWIRS by the Coalition Government in the 2020-21 Budget.
Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsey MP said this extension is in addition to the recent confirmation of a $7.8 Million increase in funding which enabled those who had previously spent money in good faith to access the rebates.
“The Coalition Government has listened to farmers in the Grey and recognised the importance of the scheme by doubling the Federal funding available as well as extending the time frames,” Mr Ramsey said.
“This is great news for farmers as these rebates empower farmers to take proactive steps to ensure their properties remain drought resilient.
“This has been a hugely popular program that’s made a real difference for thousands of Australian farmers facing the devastating challenges of drought.
“I’ve heard and seen firsthand how livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent plantings have put in bores, dams, tanks and pipes – now even more farmers will get this opportunity.
“This program in partnership with the South Australian State Liberal Government is yet another example of how Federal and State Governments can work together in the interests to deliver for local farmers. “
Federal Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt said that this extension came on the back of the Australian Government’s commitment of another $50 million in October last year – bringing the total Federal contribution to support farmers to $100 million.
“The scheme can be used to fund small scale on-farm drought proofing water projects, including buying and laying pipes, installing water storage devices, such as tanks and troughs associated with stock watering and desilting dams and water bores,” Minister Pitt said.
“Farmers value the rebate because it helps them manage the here-and-now when it comes to keeping livestock watered and permanent plantings alive in a drought – but importantly it also improves productivity so they are better prepared for the next inevitable drought at some point in the future.
“This program is about helping farmers being drought prepared and drought resilient.
“So we’re making $25 million of the Commonwealth’s $50 million available in 2021-22 along with any underspend from this year.”
For more information on the rebate visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website.
Media Contact:
Rowan Ramsey MP Port Pirie Office: 0886331744
