Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt made the decision following recent rain events and feedback from farmers participating in the program.
“Under round one of the Water for Fodder program, the allocation received must be used in the water year in which it was allocated,” Mr Pitt said.
“That restriction was in place because we wanted farmers to use this water straight away to grow fodder in response to the drought.
“However, thanks to some good rains like 80 mm in Deniliquin in March, farmers told us they’d be able to produce more with the Water for Fodder allocation if they could carry it over into the 2020 to 2021 water year.”
Mr Pitt said the change would provide more flexibility to those who received an allocation in round one’s ballot.
“This shows we are taking on board feedback to make improvements to the Water for Fodder program.
“We’re considering feedback so we can maximise the potential of the program and make this water count for drought-affected farmers and Australian’s who rely on their produce.
“I would like to thank South Australia for their assistance in providing the water for the program through the increased operation of their desalination plant.”
A review into round one of the Water for Fodder program is currently under way and will inform round two, which opens later this year.
The review will be published at: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/water-for-fodder
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