A new program has been launched to assist on-farm irrigators in the Lachlan and southern connected system of the Murray-Darling Basin. The On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program aims to assist irrigators in this region to modernise their on-farm irrigation infrastructure and return water to the environment.

Program funding will be provided to organisations that have direct links with irrigators in this region, and will act as program delivery partners. Program delivery partners will then be able to fund individual irrigator sub-projects.

Some of the types of sub-projects which may be eligible for funding include:

• installing new or upgrading existing irrigation infrastructure or technology
• improving irrigated area layout or design for the purpose of improving on-farm irrigation efficiency
• ancillary equipment necessary for new or upgraded irrigation systems to function
• capital costs of new or upgraded irrigation equipment as well as the cost of installation.

Competitive bids are now being sought from organisations interested in becoming delivery partners. For more information or to apply, visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website.