Irrigators in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District who are seeking funds for on-farm irrigation improvement projects through the Farm Water Program now have until 4pm on Friday 24th April to submit a Registration of Interest.
According to Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority CEO, Mr Chris Norman, providing another week for registrations will help maximise the allocation of funds to the region for this activity.
“We have received a steady stream of interest in the Farm Water Program during the latest Registration of Interest call. However, with the school and Easter holidays in amidst the registration period, the extension will hopefully provide additional opportunity for those that may have missed the information,” Mr Norman said.
Round 4 of the Farm Water Program (FWP) comprises of $50 million of funding under Tranche 2 of the Victorian Farm Modernisation Project, which is being delivered by the Victorian Government.
“The GB CMA website has an Eligibility Checklist, Frequently Asked Questions and further information regarding minimum standards for Whole Farm Plans available to assist irrigators in assessing the eligibility of their projects.” Mr Norman also added, “Farm Water Program staff are on-hand via the Farm Water Program hotline on (03) 5822 7788 to assist if there are any queries as well.”
By the close of registrations, irrigators must ensure they:
- Own the land on which the works will be done and own high reliability water shares;
- Are willing to transfer the specified water savings (expected to be 60%) to the Commonwealth Government (through the GB CMA);
- Have a Whole Farm Plan (WFP) that meets minimum standards and shows the proposed works;
- Have an executed GMW legal agreement connecting the property to a GMW backbone available and/or know the proposed project area connects to an outlet on an approved GMW backbone; and
- Can cover specified cash flow for the final costs of the project before final payment is made by the
GB CMA.
“The Farm Water Program provides great benefit to our region: bolstered employment, infrastructure improvements, environmental water saving returns, and on-farm effiiciency gains,” Mr Norman said.
For more information regarding the Farm Water Program and requirements for applications, visit the website: www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/sustainable_irrigation/farm_water. The Farm Water Program consortium, is led by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and includes North Central CMA, North East CMA, Goulburn Murray Water, Dairy Australia, Murray Dairy, and Northern Victorian Irrigators; with funding through the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.