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Irrigators get grants to exit industry
1 Oct 2008
The Australian Government recently announced a $57 million package that offers up to $150,000 as a special exit payment, along with other transitional assistance, to eligible irrigators to sell their water entitlement. These irrigators must have permanent water entitlements of at least 10 megalitres on 15 hectares *or* less. The water purchased by the Commonwealth will be returned to the rivers and wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin. The assistance is aimed at bringing relief to small-scale irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin impacted by drought and climate change who wish to exit irrigated farming while remaining in their family homes. Many of the people who are eligible for this assistance live close to rural and regional centres, so staying on the farm and working in their local communities are real options for them. Two complementary grants can be accessed in addition to the $150,000 exit payment: up to $10,000 for advice and training, including skills development, direction setting plans, succession planning and business advice, up to $10,000 for removal of permanent plantings and other production-related infrastructure. Those that choose to take up the offer should do so this financial year. More details about how to access the package will be announced within the next month.
Department of Agriculture Forests and Fisheries, 01/10/2008
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