Farmers in the Parkes electorate impacted by drought can now apply for funding from the popular On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme (EWIRS) to help them make their properties more drought resilient.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said local farmers can apply from now up until 30 June 2022 to get their share of the extra $50 million in funding secured for the EWIRS by the Coalition Government in the 2020-21 Budget.

Mr Coulton said this is a win for local farmers, with funds now available for another year.

“The Coalition Government has listened to farmers in the Parkes electorate and that is why Federal funding, in co-contribution with the NSW State Government, has been extended and is available right now,” Mr Coulton said.

“This is great news for drought-affected farmers as these rebates enable farmers to take proactive steps to ensure their properties remain drought resilient.

“This has been a hugely popular program that’s made a real difference for thousands of Australian farmers facing the devastating challenges of drought.

“I’ve heard and seen firsthand how drought-affected livestock producers and horticulturalists with permanent plantings have put in bores, dams and pipes – now even more farmers will get this opportunity.”

Federal Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said that the Australian Government’s commitment of another $50 million in October last year brought the total Federal contribution to support farmers to $100 million.

“The scheme can be used to fund small scale on-farm drought proofing water projects, including buying and laying pipes, installing water storage devices, such as tanks and troughs associated with stock watering and desilting dams and water bores,” Minister Pitt said.

“We know farmers value the rebate because it helps them manage the here-and-now when it comes to keeping livestock watered and permanent plantings alive in a drought.

“Most importantly however it also improves productivity, so they are better prepared for the next inevitable drought at some point in the future.

“This program is about helping farmers being drought prepared and drought resilient.

“So we’re making $25 million of the Commonwealth’s $50 million available this financial year (2021-22) along with any underspend from this year.”

The Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate (EWIR) scheme is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, administered by the Rural Assistance Authority.