The Iemma Government is moving to further help farmers with a raft of enhancements to the Special Conservation Scheme providing more incentives to improve land management practises, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said the Special Conservation Scheme, administered by the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), played an important role in helping farmers to undertake farm improvements by providing low interest, fixed term loans.

"The scheme provides incentives to primary producers through loans for specific capital programs designed to improve land management practises," he said.

"The Iemma Government has made changes to improve the scheme - namely, the net asset limit for applicants will now increase from $2.7 million to $5 million and the maximum loan limit will increase from $100,000 to $150,000, both increased by CPI annually.

"In addition, the availability of existing financial assistance for weed control will now be simplified - in line with the Ministerial Order under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993."

Minister Macdonald said the changes were important to primary producers.

"The scheme has an important role in improving the sustainable use of natural resources, which is why the review of its effectiveness was timely in lieu of the extreme drought conditions farmers have had to contend with," he said.

"Capital works under the Special Conservation Scheme include: soil conservation (including control of woody weeds), stock and domestic water supply, upgrading of irrigation systems and planting of perennial species such as lucerne and Oldman saltbush."

For the complete list, and for information about applying for loans under the scheme see www.raa.nsw.gov.au/reader/special or contact the RAA on 1800 678 593.

Media contact: Jason Bartlett 0438 209 281 / Brett Fifield 0427 029 511