Proposals invited for Australian $300m on-farm irrigation program

The Rudd Government is calling for proposals for a new $300 million on-farm irrigation efficiency grants program to help deliver a long-term sustainable future for Murray-Darling Basin irrigation communities.

Releasing the program guidelines, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said the funding would help irrigation communities adjust to a future with less water by supporting farmers investing in water-saving irrigation practices and technology.

`The Rudd Government is getting on with the job of preparing for a future with less rain because of climate change,` Senator Wong said.

`Central to our plan to get the Murray-Darling Basin back onto a sustainable footing is a strong and vibrant future for our irrigation communities.

`We are investing in irrigation infrastructure to help our farmers and regional communities and protect food security.`

Senator Wong said the On-Farm Irrigation Infrastructure Program was open to irrigators in the Southern Basin and the Lachlan River catchment.

The new program invites competitive bids to deliver cost-effective `tranches` of on-farm investment from partners such as irrigation water providers, peak-industry groups and catchment management authorities.

The program has been modelled on the arrangements trialled through the On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency (Pilot Projects) program. It will invest in more efficient irrigation systems in areas where a long-term economic and environmental benefit can be demonstrated.

The projects must help secure a long-term sustainable future for irrigation communities; deliver substantial and lasting returns of water to the environment to secure real improvements in river health; and deliver value for money.

The $300 million in funding comes from the $5.8 billion Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure program, a key plank of the Government`s 10-year, $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan. Funding starts in 2009-10 and continues until 2013.