The grants, which are still open, provide eligible individual farm businesses with up to $5000, with applicants required to fund at least half the nominated project.
The Victorian Government established the $13.2million grants program to assist farm businesses implement on-farm infrastructure that improves drought management and preparedness, and puts the business in a better position for the future.
Agriculture Victoria’s south-east regional dairy services manager Del Delpitiya said farmers in Gippsland’s east had been proactive in seeking advice about using grants to help manage dry conditions.
‘‘It’s important to think through every angle of your infrastructure installation or upgrade. For farmers looking to put in a feedpad, upgrading feeding systems or stock containment areas, coming up with a workable plan for managing the effluent is a priority,’’ he said.
‘‘Agriculture Victoria has expertise in managing effluent and we have been helping dairy farmers with developing effluent use plans. This process involves taking samples to determine the nutrient value of effluent and providing on-farm application rate recommendations to address agronomic requirements.’’
Agriculture Victoria has several personal and family support options including a pool of $1.25million to help drought-affected families with kindergarten fees.
There is also a camps, sports and excursion fund, as well as back-to-school support for families in the Wellington and East Gippsland shires.
■For more information on the assistance available, go to: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
■Visit www.ruralfinance.com.au/ for application forms and guidelines or phone Rural Finance on 1800 260 425.
What are eligable infrastucture improvements?
■Items to construct a new, or upgrade an existing, stock containment area.
■Reticulated water systems using pumps, piping, tanks and troughs for livestock.
■Irrigation system upgrades.
■Permanent repairs to fixed water infrastructure.
■Water infrastructure for stock management.
■Long-term drought management efficiencies (for example, soil moisture monitoring or weather stations).
■Grain and fodder storage.
■Internal re-fencing to better match property layout with land capability.
■Shelter belts for shade.
■Upgrading of areas, such as laneways, to deliver lasting productivity and profitability benefits.
■Feeding system upgrades.
■Adoption of precision farming techniques.
Who can apply for on-farm drought infrastucture support grants?
■Those who own, lease or share farm businesses in the following local government areas can apply: Wellington, East Gippsland, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon, Campaspe, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Moira, Strathbogie, Benalla, Wangaratta, Wodonga, Indigo, Alpine, Towong, Mildura, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Horsham and Northern Grampians.
■Eligible participants must derive at least 51 per cent of their gross annual income from the farm business or have made a minimum farm-related capital investment of $50000 (excluding land purchase) in the farm business.
■The grant amount must be 50 per cent of the total cost of the project — applicants must match the grant amount with their own funding.
■As a guide, it’s anticipated that farm turnover would exceed $50000/year under normal business conditions (with no adverse climatic conditions).
■Applicants must be registered as a primary producer with the Australian Tax Office and have an ABV and be registered for GST.
■Applicants must contribute more than 51 per cent of their labour to the farming enterprise.