The grants, provided by the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program, are available for:

• Re-use systems to capture water running off flood irrigated bays that would have previously left the property. The maximum size is 1 ML for every 10 ha of catchment. Incentives of $400/ha (excl. GST) can assist with the cost of constructing your re-use including permits, earthworks, materials, power installation and a permanent pump and motor including shed/concrete.
  
• Best practice surface irrigation to provide consistent and stable flow rates and now includes river and groundwater diverters. The incentive of $200/ha (excl. GST) can assist with reconfiguring irrigation layout, upgrades to existing re-use systems, farm channels and bay outlets to improve flow rates and automation infrastructure (e.g., timers).
  
• Pressurised (spray) irrigation conversion from flood irrigation to pressurised irrigation as a way of saving water on more permeable soil types.  The $600/ha incentive (excl. GST) can assist with the cost of the supply and installation of the pressurised system such as permits, materials, and electricity connection.

Denison Dairy Farmer Mat Warren milks 2,000 cows at two family operated dairies and is a previous incentive recipient. “We put our hand up for flood spray conversion. The difference it makes is the labour saving and time. I can have ten pivots running at night and be in bed sleeping – it’s just made the job a lot easier.

“There are real benefits to gain from these incentives and recent changes also value add,” said Brad Missen, Sustainable Agriculture project Officer for West Gippsland CMA.

“They include water, time, labour and cost savings along with wins for the environment such as reducing nutrient loss and groundwater infiltration.”

“We know all farmers are extremely busy and I just encourage you to give is a call and we can help you to maximise the great opportunities available through this program.”

If you are interested in being involved, please contact Brad Missen from the West Gippsland CMA on 0472 501 223 or bradm@wgcma.vic.gov.au or Irrigation Extension Officer Caelan McIntosh on 0476 885 716 or caelan.mcintosh@agriculture.vic.gov.au