PRIMARY producers across South Australia will be able to access funding to install on-farm water infrastructure with the opening of a new round of the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme. 

A further $8m, co-funded by the state and federal governments, is available through the scheme, with eligible primary producers able to claim up to 25 per cent of the cost of approved critical infrastructure, capped at $25,000.

Initially launched in 2018 to support drought-affected primary producers, the scheme has been expanded to all council areas across the state and includes those impacted by natural disasters occurring after 1 January 2022. 

In particular, the scheme will now be available to primary producers affected by the 2022/23 River Murray flood. 

“South Australian primary producers have already seen the benefits of this scheme and it’s great to see the support now available for primary producers affected by natural disasters,” Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said.

“Expansion of the scheme provides support to livestock and horticulture producers in repairing and replacing infrastructure damaged by natural disaster and continues to support build resilience of primary producers to drought.”

Up until this round, the fund had only been available to drought-affected council areas. 

Applications close on 30 April 2024, or when all funds are allocated. 

For further information on the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Scheme visit (www.pir.sa.gov.au/onfarm-water-rebate).