Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Department of Primary Industries

Assistance Available For Irrigation Upgrades

Financial assistance continues to be available to farmers in and adjacent to the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) to assist them to make their farms more water-efficient.

By Department of Primary Industries - 16th August 2006 - Back to News

A rebate of seventy-five percent is available to assist with the completion of a whole farm plan.

For farmers who already have a whole farm plan and are in a position to spend money on their irrigation layout, the next few months may be an appropriate time to install a re-use system or to change an area from flood to spray irrigation.

Irrigation re-use systems attract a rebate of fifty percent of the cost of construction up to a maximum of $17,400 plus GST each. The costs that can be included when building a re-use include digging the sump, drainage works, pump, motor, suction and delivery lines, a shed, power connection and fences.

Re-use systems in the MID re-cycle between one and two megalitres of water annually for each hectare of flood irrigated land that they collect water off. This dramatically improves farm water security.

If land is converted from flood to spray irrigation a rebate of fifteen percent of the cost of construction, up to a maximum of $430 per hectare plus GST, is paid. Any costs that are incurred in making the change will be considered in calculating the rebate.

Landholder experience indicates that converting land to spray irrigation will save around one megalitre of water per hectare due to reduced run off, and depending on soil type, up to five megalitres per hectare due to reduced deep drainage. Again, these savings can dramatically improve farm water security.

Farmers who wish to participate in the Irrigation Incentives Program are asked to contact Ken Slee or Chris Kooloos at DPI Maffra on 5147 0800 for further information.

This program is funded under the Victorian State Government’s Gippsland Lakes Future Directions and Action Plan and Water Smart Farms Initiative.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
  Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment.
• Macalister Irrigation District schedules submerged weed treatments for November and December to improve channel capacity and water delivery
  Macalister Irrigation District will treat submerged weeds in irrigation channels during November and December 2026, improving water delivery. Customers must avoid treated water for 72 hours after treatment.
• Gippsland Water upgrades Buckley's Hill basin to boost industrial reliability and strengthen emergency water supply resilience
  Gippsland Water has upgraded Morwell Buckley's Hill raw water basin, improving water reliability for industry, supporting the energy sector, and providing an emergency backup water source for residential customers during supply disruptions.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
  Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access.
• Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
  Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.