Water Saving - 09 April 2025

SA Drought Relief Package

Amid ongoing severe drought conditions across South Australia, the State Government has announced an $18 million support package to assist affected farming communities.

As part of this initiative, $5 million has been specifically allocated to the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme. This scheme offers vital financial assistance to primary producers across South Australia, helping them invest in infrastructure improvements that enhance drought preparedness and management.

Additionally, this comprehensive support package provides funding towards crucial mental health services, community support programs, and assistance with transporting donated fodder. Together, these measures aim to strengthen farmer resilience and well-being during these challenging and uncertain times.

📅 Key Dates

• Scheme Closure: When the $5 million funding allocation is exhausted.
• Eligible Purchases: Only items paid for on or after 26 November 2024 will be eligible.
• Completion Timeline: Pre-approved activities must be completed within 6 months of the written pre-approval date.
• Application Processing Time: Currently estimated at 10 weeks due to high demand.

On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme

💰 Grant Details

The rebate scheme supports water tanks for South Australian primary producers by funding infrastructure projects that help manage current drought conditions and boost resilience for future events.

✅ Key Features

• Pre-approval Available: Applicants can seek pre-approval before incurring any costs, offering confidence in future reimbursement.
• Rebate Amount: Up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at $5,000 (GST exclusive).
• Applicant Contribution: You must cover at least 25% of the total project cost from your own funds (not from other government sources or insurance claims).

✔️ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a property owner, share-farmer or lessee in the primary production industry.
• Be registered as a Primary Producer with the Australian Taxation Office, with:
  • An ABN registered on or before 26 November 2024, and
  • GST registration.
• Have your property located in South Australia.
• Earn more than 50% of your gross income from primary production (or intend to within 3 years for new entrants).
• Cover 25% of infrastructure costs (excluding insurance, government grants, or concessional loans).
• Install the infrastructure on your property for drought management and preparedness.
• Ensure infrastructure was purchased/installed on or after 26 November 2024.
• Not have received duplicate funding from other SA or Australian Government programs for the same activities.
• Have met all conditions of any previous SA Government grant or funding (if applicable).

How to apply

Read the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme Guidelines (PDF 171.7 KB) then consider whether applying to the program is right for your business.

You must include the following supporting documentation with your application:

• Copies of all tax invoices and receipts (or quotes if seeking pre-approval) showing:
  • details of the goods or services supplied, clearly identifiable as related to drought management and preparedness infrastructure costs
  • GST exclusive cost of those goods or services
  • your business name, address and ABN.
• Copies of any approvals required to complete activities as part of this application.
• Completed and signed acquittal form (DOCX 792.7 KB).

Complete your application

1. Open the rebate application form on the myPIRSA portal.
2. Login or register for myPIRSA. You may receive a message confirming that your myPIRSA service for the On-farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is now available – this means you can now sign in and complete your application.
3. Select ‘Launch service’ (blue button).
4. Click ‘submit’ (blue button).
5. Select ‘On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Rebate Scheme’ approved service (green and white button).
6. Provide all requested information and supporting documents. For pre-approval requests, please attach quotes where receipts are required and attach a blank acquittal form.
7. Submit your application.

Don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of the rebate, contact us today to discover how we can help upgrade your water storage solutions before the program comes to a close. Our team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you make the most of this limited-time offer.