Last week the federal government committed an extra $50 million to the popular On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.
This is, no doubt, welcome news for farmers investing in stock and domestic water infrastructure.
It will allow drought-affected livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent plantings to receive rebates of up to 25 per cent of eligible costs - capped at $25,000.
For Victorian farmers to benefit from the program, the state government must match the federal funds.
We need to further enable farmers to connect to projects such as the Mitiamo, South West Loddon and East Grampians pipeline projects so they can take advantage of the program.
With historic levels of public and private investment in stock and domestic water infrastructure across the state, there has never been a better time to incentivise farmers to invest in drought-proofing infrastructure.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has been lobbying both the state and federal governments for an extension to the program since the funding was exhausted earlier this year.
Its commitment demonstrates the benefits of governments working with industry to achieve positive outcomes for farmers.
While many parts of Victoria are forecast to receive good rainfall in coming months, now is the time for farmers to prepare for the inevitable future dry spell.
The On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is critical and allows farmers to put in pipelines, install troughs, enlarge dams and drill new bores. These are invaluable measures in helping to drought-proof farms.
Now is the time for the Victorian government to support farmers and ensure we're prepared for future droughts by matching this federal funding.
- David Jochinke, VFF president
