The Victorian and Commonwealth Governments are offering the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate to drought affected farm businesses in the Millewa region of Mildura and East Gippsland and Wellington local government areas. The rebate can be used to invest in on-farm water infrastructure that addresses the needs of grazing livestock or assists in maintaining existing permanent horticultural plantings. The Scheme will close to new application on 6 May 2022 or earlier if funds are fully allocated.

How much can I apply for?

The Scheme provides a one-off 25 per cent rebate up to $25,000 (GST exclusive) for costs associated with the purchase and installation of eligible activities that improve resilience to drought (for example if your eligible project cost $100,000 plus GST you would receive a rebate of $25,000 excluding GST). The availability of rebates is subject to funds being available.

All works needs to be completed and all documentation received by Rural Finance by 6 May 2022. No documentation will be accepted after this date.

Who can apply?

The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is available to eligible farm businesses in the Millewa region of Mildura and East Gippsland and Wellington local government areas. Millewa includes the following towns in the Mildura Shire: Carwarp, Culleraine, Lindsay Point, Meringur, Merrinee, Neds Corner, Wargan and Werrimull.

To be eligible for assistance applicants must be:

• A property owner/share farmer or lease holder undertaking grazing livestock production or permanent horticulture
• Your property is located in an eligible Local Government Area
• You are a primary producer with a current ABN
• Your business is registered for GST
• You contribute a significant part of your labour and capital to the farming enterprise, and under normal business conditions your average annual turnover exceeds $50,000 and you earn more than 50 per cent of your individual income from the farming enterprise.

OR

You commenced your farming operation between July 2017 and 30 June 2021 and 50 per cent of your gross income will be derived from your primary production business within three years of the date of your Application. Eligibility of new entrants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• You purchased the eligible water infrastructure for livestock on or after the 1 July 2018 and permanent horticultural plantings since 1 July 2019. 
• The work will help ensure that the on-farm water supply system for grazing livestock or permanent horticultural plantings is more resilient to future dry seasonal conditions

Applicants that received a rebate in Round 1 of the Scheme are eligible to apply for the maximum rebate available in Round 2. A rebate from Round 2 will not be provided for works that were funded in Round 1 or for any other activities that have, or will receive funding from the commonwealth, state or local government.

What activities will be funded?

Water infrastructure must be purchased and installed for genuine animal welfare purposes or to maintain existing permanent horticultural plantings that will also improve drought resilience.

Eligible water infrastructure for grazing livestock purchased after 1 July 2018 includes:

• The purchase and installation of:
  • Pipes
  • Water storage devices such as tanks and troughs associated with stock watering
  • Water pumps and associated water distribution systems
• Drilling of new stock water bores and associated power supply such as generators
• Desilting works of existing stock and domestic dams
• Other materials or equipment necessary to install the above excluding purchase of machinery
• Any freight component to purchase and install the equipment
• The professional installation costs to install the water infrastructure

Eligible water infrastructure for permanent horticultural plantings purchased since 1 July 2019 includes:

• Drilling of new groundwater bores
• Desilting dams

All appropriate statutory approvals and licences must be obtained for the eligible water infrastructure activities, where applicable. This is the responsibility of the applicant.

How do I apply?

The Scheme will close on 6 May 2022 or earlier if funds are fully allocated.

You can apply for reimbursement of eligible infrastructure and/or activities (Option A), or In Principle approval to undertake proposed new activities or infrastructure (Option B - recommended). On receiving ‘in-principle’ approval applicants are required to complete the proposed works before 6 May 2022. No documentation will be accepted after this date.

What documents do I need to provide?

• Copy of latest Council Rates, lease documentation or share­farming contract.
• Option A ­ Reimbursement: Proof of project expenditure/paid tax invoices and photos of the completed project, OR Option B ­ In Principle Approval: Quotes for proposed project expenditure to complete the project within three months or before the program closes on 6 May 2022.
• Most recent taxation returns for your farm business demonstrating an average annual turnover over $50,000. Or, if you are a new business, please provide a plan demonstrating how the majority of your gross income will be derived from your primary production business within three years.

Post or email a copy of your completed application form and supporting documents to:

Post: Rural Finance, PO Box 1313, Bendigo Central 3552 or

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Complete applications are being processed in order of date received, and individual applicants will be advised directly of eligibility and if funds are available.

Further Information:

Please refer to the attached Program Guidelines before completing an Application Form. If you have any further questions, please contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.