NSW Government subsidies available to cart water for stock
Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald today reminded livestock owners in the Riverina/Murray region that NSW Government assistance is available in the form of transport subsidies to cart water to drought-affected stock where blue green algae has contaminated farm water supplies.
"Another consequence of the ongoing drought and the unseasonally hot and dry weather conditions in the south west of the State has been lower dam water levels and poor stock water quality," said Minister Macdonald.
A red alert Warning for Blue Green Algae has been issued for the 400 kilometre stretch of the Murray River between Hume Dam and Torrumbarry Weir.
Minister Macdonald said stockowners may need to cart water to ensure adequate clean supplies for their animals.
"High levels of algae represent a significant risk to animal health - stock need access to adequate clean water," Mr Macdonald said.
"Landholders in drought affected areas requiring clean water for their stock are eligible for a 50 per cent subsidy on the cost of carting, consistent with the normal drought support program administered by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI)," he said.
Mr Macdonald said, to be eligible, the property must be in a drought-declared area, the stock must have been owned by the claimant for a minimum of six months, the load of stock drinking water must be 1000 litres or more and the water must be carted from the nearest practicable source.
"People should contact their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority to apply for the subsidy or to find out about eligibility criteria," he said.
NSW DPI Wagga Wagga beef cattle officer, Kate Parry, is urging livestock owners to continue to check stock water supplies for blue-green algae and to remove stock from foreshores where surface scum is visible or blue-green algae are suspected.
"In hot weather beef cattle drink between 50 and 140 litres a day, and dairy cattle may consume as much as 200 litres.
"Animals that drink more are likely to graze more, improving their weight gain."
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Media contact: Trudy Glasgow 6391 3312 or 0427 217 354