Shire of Victoria Plains Community News - October 2016

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Shire of Victoria Plains 9
New Watering WA rebates open for farms
Member for Moore Shane Love MLA has welcomed the announcement of a $4.4 million
Watering WA rebates scheme for farmers in dryland agricultural areas who are looking to
develop and improve on-farm water supplies.
“The Department of Water’s popular Farm Water Rebates Scheme now falls under the
State Government’s $30 million Watering WA initiative, made possible by Royalties for
Regions,” Mr Love said.
“Watering WA has extended the existing Farm Water Rebates Scheme to farms con-
nected to scheme water and the maximum value of rebates is increasing from $15,000 to
$20,000. Farmers not connected to scheme can continue to apply for funding.
“The scheme officially starts on 1 October 2016, however farmers can register their inter-
est from now.”
The funding builds on more than $36 million spent over the past two decades building
water capacity on farms not connected to the scheme in dryland agricultural areas.
Farmers can claim 50 per cent of the cost of water supply plans, up to a maximum value
of $500, and a further rebate of up to $250 for any call back visits by an approved water
auditor.
“Once the plan has been approved by the Department of Water, farmers can apply for up
to 50 per cent of the cost of a range of infrastructure improvements to dams and catch-
ments, tanks, pipes and pumping systems including solar energy, up to a maximum value
of $20,000,” Mr Love said.
“This supports the wider Watering WA initiative to make hundreds of millions of litres of
water available for community and industry use in agricultural towns and communities,
reducing reliance on costly scheme water for non-potable uses.”
The rebates support key improvements such as harvesting of water through improving
catchments for dams, new guttering on farm sheds, increased storage of harvested water
with new and enlarged dams, and improved on-farm distribution.
“This investment ultimately aims to support long term growth in regional economies,” Mr
Love said.
Farmers can register their interest in the scheme now by going to:
, calling 1800 780 300
or emailing
Media release