Irrigators throughout the Alpine Shire can benefit from two new rounds of funding designed to enhance water efficiency, support climate adaptation and strengthen the region’s agricultural resilience.
Applications are now open for the 2025–2027 Irrigation Landholder Incentives and Climate Change Adaptation Grants, supported by the Victorian government.
Eligible irrigators can access up to $4000 (excluding GST), with a dollar-for-dollar contribution required from the grant recipient.
Funds can be used for the purchase and installation of irrigation scheduling equipment/tools, contribution to a weather station which benefits irrigation industries and development of an Irrigation Drainage and Environment Plan (IDEP).
Industry and community groups can apply for grants of up to $35,000 ex GST, to support farming enterprises adapt to variable water availability and climate change.
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North East CMA sustainable agriculture facilitator, Lachlan Campbell said 20 per cent of agricultural businesses in the North East region use irrigation.
"They manage over 11,000 hectares and apply 29,000 megalitres of water annually, achieving significantly higher returns on water use than the Victorian average,” he said.
Mr Campbell said with climate change projected to reduce water availability by up to 30 per cent by 2050, this funding aims to help future-proof irrigated agriculture and safeguard the region’s natural assets.
Delivered in partnership by the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Agriculture Victoria, and Goulburn-Murray Water, the sustainable irrigation program supports efficient and modern irrigation systems, improved irrigation scheduling and water savings, farm and industry-level climate adaptation, reduction of off-site impacts on waterways and biodiversity, sustainable economic growth and protection of cultural heritage.
Eligible irrigators with a current water use licence in the North East CMA can get more information at www.necma.vic.gov.au
Landholder incentives applications close 5 September and industry/community group grants applications close 19 September.
