Water infrastructure rebates extended to flood-affected farmers

First launched in 2018 to support drought-affected farmers, the On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme has been expanded to all SA council areas and includes producers impacted by natural disasters that occurred after January 1, 2022.

That includes farmers affected by the Kimba flooding event in January 2022, particularly those with damaged water infrastructure.

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

The $8m has been co-funded by the state and federal governments, with eligible producers able to claim a 25 per cent rebate on infrastructure up to a maximum amount of $25,000.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the rebate scheme had already delivered great outcomes for producers and it was great to see the support available for those affected by natural disasters.

"This round of the scheme will be of particular assistance to livestock and horticulture producers impacted by the River Murray floods," she said.

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

Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek thanked the SA government for co-funding the scheme.

"Australians know all too well that extreme weather events devastate communities and take years to recover from," she said.

"That's why these rebates are an important tool for many farmers - because they help with recovery while also putting farmers in a better position to look after livestock and crops the next time they're confronted with drought, frost, or fires."

Applications for rebates will close on April 30 next year or when all funds are allocated.