More support flows for SA drought-affected farmers

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, The Hon David Basham MP + Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, The Hon Keith Pitt MP

Hundreds more drought-affected South Australian farmers will get support to install on-farm water infrastructure such as dams, pumps and pipes with the expansion of a popular rebate scheme.

The Commonwealth and South Australian governments have agreed to increase funding for the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme by $7.8 million.

The extra funding will allow around 500 South Australian primary producers who have already applied to the scheme to receive rebates and will trigger the opening of a new round.

Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said ensuring drought-affected farmers had adequate access to relief options continued to be a priority for all levels of government.

“This funding boost will allow more drought-affected farmers to access help and install vital on-farm water infrastructure such as water storages, pumps, pipes, de-silting dams,” Minister Pitt said.

“The rebate scheme will continue to deliver practical support for our farmers to complete critical on-farm water infrastructure projects on the ground in order to maintain a more reliable and sustainable water supply into the future.”

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the additional funding would support around 500 drought-affected primary producers in South Australia.

“The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure rebate scheme was exhausted in 2020 due to unprecedented interest and was oversubscribed as a result,” Minister Basham said.

“Given the popularity and the success of the scheme we have worked together with the Commonwealth Government to secure extra funding which will help hundreds of drought-affected farmers across South Australia.

“Our farmers are a critical part of our state economy and the importance of agriculture across the country has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With funding now confirmed, applications are being processed and applicants will be notified via email of the outcomes of their individual submission. Another 500 assessed applications will now receive their rebate payments and we can open up a new round.

“A total of 505 primary producers have already been provided with assistance under the scheme since August 2018.”

This additional funding also includes the opportunity for a new round of applications. Eligible farmers can claim up to 25% of the eligible infrastructure costs, capped at $25,000, with the State and Commonwealth Governments each contributing half.

Information on this new round will be provided via the PIRSA website at pir.sa.gov.au/onfarm-water-rebate.