Grant flows in for Far North pastoralists

The $425,000 Far North Water Infrastructure Grant Scheme enables pastoralists in the SA Arid Lands NRM region who have faced adverse seasonal conditions since February, 2012, to pay up to 50 per cent of costs for replacing or upgrading polypipes, tanks, bores, troughs or pumps, and other materials required for their installation.

It also covers cleaning of existing dams and watering points; freight to purchase and install equipment; and the cost of professionals to install water infrastructure.

The scheme is a collaboration between state and federal governments, following drought funding support announcements in June.

The state government has given $150,000 in one-off drought funding for the scheme, and the SA Arid Lands NRM Board has also committed $100,000.

With Federal Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce's announcement to match the state contribution, Livestock SA expects that funding for the scheme will total about $425,000.

The scheme is aimed at improving resilience to future droughts through improved supply and spread of stock waters.

Livestock SA is administering the scheme in collaboration with PIRSA and the NRM Board for Pastoral Businesses in the SA Arid Lands NRM region.

Livestock SA northern region chairman Colin Greenfield said it was welcome news.

He said many stations had destocked but the funds would assist them to maintain numbers - so when it rained they could restock with confidence.

Mr Greenfield encouraged pastoralists to get in quickly - with applications assessed in order of receipt.

"We are encouraging people to think hard about where they would like to spend the money in their business," he said.

Applications for grants close December 31, 2014, or when funds are fully committed.

All aspects of the project must be completed by May 31, 2015.

* Full report in Stock Journal, August 14, 2014 issue.