ACT rural leaseholders can now apply for rebates to install, repair or replace water infrastructure for their livestock or permanent horticultural plantings. 

The On Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme, jointly funded by the ACT and Australian governments, allows primary producers or horticulture farmers to claim up to 25 per cent of the cost of approved critical infrastructure, up to a maximum total rebate of $25,000 per property.

The scheme is available for:

• New water infrastructure for livestock purchased after 30 June 2018
• Repair or replacement of damaged livestock water infrastructure after January 2022
• New water infrastructure for permanent horticulture plantings purchased after 30 June 2019
• Repair or replacement of damaged water infrastructure for permanent horticulture plantings after 31 December 2021

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 8 April, or when funding has been fully allocated.  

“These rebates are available to ACT farm owners who manage existing permanent horticulture plantings like olives, grapes, truffles or orchards in the ACT, so I strongly encourage those people to apply,” Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, said.

The rebate scheme will help address the damage caused by natural disasters to rural ACT properties, Shane Rattenbury, ACT Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, said, while Tanya Plibersek, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, believes it will prepare more farmers for climate change.

“Canberrans know all too well that extreme weather events devastate communities and take years to recover from,” Ms Plibersek said.

“That’s why these rebates are an important tool for many farmers – because they will help with recovery while also putting farmers in a better position to look after livestock and crops the next time they’re confronted with drought or natural disasters.

“I thank the Australian Capital Territory for co-funding this program so that we can help more farmers prepare for climate change.”

The ACT Government also awards the ACT Rural Resilience Grants to projects that support sustainable farming practices and improves the condition of natural resources across the Territory, Ms Vassarotti added.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the ACT Environment website.