Irrigation infrastructure funding changes will benefit irrigators
1 Feb 2017
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) $111million Sustaining the Basin: Irrigated Farm Modernisation (STBIFM) program helps irrigators improve on-farm water efficiency by providing funding for planning, infrastructure and training.
Irrigators with eligible entitlements in the NSW Border Rivers and Lower Namoi catchments can now apply for a share in $30 million to upgrade on-farm infrastructure under Round 9 of the program.
Irrigated Farm Water Use Efficiency Assessments (IFWUEAs) are also being funded in northern NSW to assist irrigators assess their irrigation systems and identify areas for improvement.
Following feedback from irrigators, the program has made changes to Round 9 that will assist irrigators prepare a funding application and support the competition of modernisation projects. The changes include:
- STBIFM program has been extended to June 2019
- Cut-off prices for each eligible entitlement have been announced
- Irrigators can submit an infrastructure funding application any time until 30 June 2017
- Infrastructure funding is no longer contingent on having a compliant water meter
- Applicants may now start works earlier
DPI is running ‘community information’ sessions for irrigators and their advisors to discuss IFWUEAs and Round 9 funding arrangements. Project Officers will also be on hand to answer questions about the program and provide technical advice and assistance.
| Date and time | Town | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 6 February, 2pm | Goondiwindi | Gateway to Training Centre, 15-21 Russell Street |
| Tuesday 7 February, 2pm | Narrabri | Australian Cotton Research Institute, Wee Waa Road |
| Wednesday 8 February, 2pm | Mungindi | The Daily Grind coffee shop, 234 St George |
| Thursday 9 February, 2pm | Gunnedah | Town Hall 152 Conadilly Street |
RSVP before Monday 6 February by phoning your local STBIFM project officer, Peter Verwey (Narrabri), 0409 812 497 or Bill Williamson (Dubbo), 0427 660 618.
Michael Grabham, STBIFM Leader, said that over 70 irrigators have taken advantage of STBIFM funding in previous rounds.
“We have very satisfied irrigators who are happy with the results they’ve achieved in increasing productivity, improving their water security and accelerating their business plans,” Mr Grabham said.
“This program provides a great opportunity and I encourage irrigators to come along to a meeting to find out more while funding is still available.”
NSW Sustaining the Basin: Irrigated Farm Modernisation (STBIFM) program is funded by the Australian Government’s ‘Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure’ Program, as part of the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan in NSW.
More information
Media contact: 02 6391 3686
