May 13 2009
The 2009-10 Federal Budget delivers on Rudd Government commitments to speed up water purchase in the Murray-Darling Basin, promote urban stormwater harvesting, and help regional communities and irrigators prepare for a future with less water.
"Funding will be provided to support our long-term $12.9 billion Water for the Future package that aims to secure our water supplies, use water wisely, take action on climate change and support healthy rivers," Senator Wong said.
"Funding to buy back water entitlements from willing sellers in the Murray-Darling Basin will be brought forward with an additional $100.0 million in 2009-10, $50.0 million in 2010-11, and $100.0 million in 2011-12.
"This means the Basin's stressed rivers and wetlands will receive a greater share of water when it becomes available, as we work to address the challenges of drought, climate change and over-allocation."
The Government is providing $300.0 million for a new on-farm irrigation efficiency grants program in the southern Basin to help deliver a long-term sustainable future for our irrigation communities.
"This funding will play a crucial role in helping irrigation communities adjust to a future with less water by supporting farmers to invest in water-saving irrigation practices and technology.
"The On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program will help improve irrigation systems in areas where a long-term economic and environmental benefit can be demonstrated."
The Budget also delivers $200.0 million promised for the Strengthening Basin Communities grants program to help local councils in the Basin plan for reduced water availability and deliver associated local water savings initiatives.
"Guidelines for applications will be released mid-year and we encourage all eligible communities to apply."
Senator Wong said the Budget also provides funding to support an expansion of the Government's Small Block Irrigators Exit Package that helps small-scale irrigators exit the industry with dignity while remaining in their homes and communities, while also providing water for rivers.
"As announced recently, the Government has increased the maximum size of farms that may be eligible for the $150,000 Small Block Irrigators Exit Grants Package from 15 to 40 hectares."
The Budget also provides a minimum of $200.0 million under the National Urban Water and Desalination Plan to further encourage stormwater harvesting projects that use urban stormwater to reduce demand on potable water supplies.
"Applications for funding under this program are already open and we look forward to receiving many innovative and well-considered proposals," Senator Wong said.
This year's Budget also allocates $10.0 million for new bioremediation and revegetation trials around the Lower Lakes.
"This funding is in addition to up to $200.0 million committed to support an enduring solution to the environmental problems facing the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth, and $120.0 million to supply drinking and irrigation water to communities at the Lower Lakes."