More Gippsland farmers can now access incentives to develop irrigation farm plans, thanks to an expansion of the Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program.
Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Stephanie Veskoukis said the program, previously successful in the Macalister Irrigation District, now includes all irrigators across the Lake Wellington Catchment.
“The incentive covers 75 per cent of the cost of an updated irrigation farm plan, up to $45 per hectare for design only, or $90 per hectare for survey and design, capped at $10,000 (excluding GST),” Ms Veskoukis said.
“Tailored options are available for farms with specialised requirements.”
She said an irrigation farm plan helps farmers compare systems, plan upgrades, and design improvements that work with existing infrastructure.
“A well-prepared plan improves water-use efficiency, reduces nutrient losses, and ensures works meet statutory requirements,” she said.
“Farmers really value the independent advice and support they receive at every stage of the process.”
Kilmany beef producer Phillip Padula used the program to design a complex reuse and drainage system around native vegetation and waterways. “It was a lot easier than I thought — the team made it really easy to work with,” he said.
West Gippsland CMA Statutory Waterways Officer Gavin Prior said collaboration between farmers, planners, and agencies is central to the program’s success.
The program is administered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, with funding from the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program.
More information: www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/irrigation-efficiency-incentives
