Water grants program fully subscribed

RAA Acting General Manager, John Newcombe, said that under the $21 million program, around 1,800 drought-affected producers have applied for funding to install new water infrastructure.

“Funding for this program has now been fully allocated with payments to be made over the coming months as tax invoices are received from farmers,” Mr Newcombe said.

“The overwhelming response from producers is an indication of the challenging seasonal conditions our farmers have faced over the past 12 months.

“Surface water availability remains patchy across the State and this funding has helped farmers deal with the immediate challenges of providing water to livestock and be better prepared to deal with future droughts.

Mr Newcombe said the funding was used for the installation of bores, tanks and water troughs.

“The program was funded jointly by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments on a first come, first served basis in 30 eligible Local Government Areas, including the Unincorporated Far West Region.”

Mr Newcombe said that the new national drought program commences from 1 July 2014.

“Under the national program, a range of drought support measures are available to help farmers prepare for and manage the impacts of drought,” Mr Newcombe said.

“In line with the national reforms, the NSW Farm Innovation Fund remains available to producers in the form of low interest loans for in-drought support and drought preparedness activities.

“Applications are also now open for the $100 million Drought Concessional Loans Scheme, providing a concessional loan term of five years for up to 50 per cent of eligible farm business debt, to a maximum of $1 million.”

Further information is available at the Rural Assistance Authority or the DPI website

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