May 20, 2021
An alleged stand-off between the Federal and State governments over an extension to the jointly funded Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme appears to have been resolved.
Queensland farmers have now been encouraged to apply for funding for drought-proofing work after the rebate scheme was extended to June 30, 2022.
Livestock producers can access support to install tanks, troughs, pipes and pumps and drill new bores.
The extensions was welcomed by both AgForce Queensland and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said he was happy to see the State and Federal Governments put party politics aside in a significant win for agricultural producers.
“The agreement announced today between the State and Federal Governments means Queensland producers can effectively invest in water infrastructure both for now, during drought, and to better prepare, respond to, and recover from any drought in the future,” he said.
Mr Guerin said AgForce had also welcomed the State Government’s decision to co-fund dam desilting, an important activity that stores water efficiently when rainfall increases, and seasons improve.
