The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment is seeking feedback on the first round of the Water for Fodder program which saw 40GL of water made available to farmers in the southern connected system.
NSW Nationals Senator Perin Davey said the Water for Fodder program enabled eligible farmers to apply for up to 50ML of water to grow critical fodder or pasture during the ongoing drought.
“Round one had 40GL available with another 60GL available under round two which we hope to run in April-May,” Senator Davey said.
“The first round was oversubscribed by more than five times, and we expect there is likely to be similar demand for the next round.
“The fact is, despite some recent rain, the drought is ongoing and the next 60GL is going to be critical for farmers across our region, which is why we need feedback to improve on the last round.”
The Department has designed and online survey and they will be conducting targeted consultations with key groups including irrigation networks.
Minister for resources, Water and Northern Australia, Keith Pitt said over 90 percent of successful round one applicants have received their water already with the remaining farmers expected to have theirs by the end of March.
“Many applicants have already shared their ideas, so we’re keen to learn more from everyone in the community,” he said.
“We’ll be taking their suggestions into account on how we can maximise the potential of round two, and to make this water even more productive for drought-affected farmers.”
The Water for Fodder program is an Australian Government drought measure to provide up to 100 gigalitres of water to farmers in the southern connected Murray-Darling Basin to grow fodder and pasture. The water is being made available through the operation of the Adelaide Desalination Plant under an agreement between the Australian and South Australian Governments.
To provide your feedback go to: https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/water-for-fodder