www.raa.nsw.gov.au
The rebate is designed to assist drought affected livestock farmers invest in urgently-needed on-farm water infrastructure. The focus is on improving on-farm water supply to address animal welfare needs, increase resilience against future droughts, increase productivity and mitigate degradation of natural watering points.
For a full list of eligibility criteria, refer to the EWIRS Guidelines (PDF, 133.76 KB).
In December 2018, the Commonwealth Government announced EWIRS funding of $50 million nationally over three years, starting in the 2018-19 financial year. In NSW, $12 million has been allocated over three years and applications to the rebate scheme are administered by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
Farmers will be able to access a 25% rebate, up to $25,000 on new purchases and installation costs of water infrastructure projects on-farm across NSW to help them in the current drought and be better prepared for future dry conditions.
This rebate applies to the purchase and installation of emergency water infrastructure for livestock including:
For a list of eligibility activities and expenses, refer to the EWIRS Guidelines (PDF, 133.76 KB).
As the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is Commonwealth funded, invoices used to secure DAF or FIF funding can be submitted for an EWIRS application.
You can claim invoices for goods or services that are dated on or after 1 July 2018. This date was determined by the Commonwealth government and is not open to negotiation at a state level.
Yes, the eligibility criteria specify that applicants with gross off-farm assets exceeding $5 million are not eligible for this rebate scheme.
To be eligible for the rebate, farm owners and operators must earn more than 50% of their gross income from the primary production enterprise under normal seasonal circumstances.
A “new entrant” includes owners and operators that have commenced their farming operation between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2018. If this relates to you, then you need to provide a cash flow statement confirming that 50% of your gross income will be derived from the farm business within three years of the date of the application. The applications of new entrants will be considered on a case by case basis.
Yes, this is required. Local Land Services can send you a copy of your Land and Stock Return if you did not retain a copy. Request a copy from LLS on 1300 795 299.
No, any animals born on the property to existing stock do not fall into the category of “new livestock” in the context of the eligibility guidelines.
There is not a simple answer to this question and each case will be assessed on its individual circumstances. Complete the Water Availability Statement with your purchases or contact the RAA on 1800 678 593 to discuss your situation.
No - this rebate explicitly excludes the purchase of machinery.
If you wish to claim expenses incurred from own equipment or machinery, you will need to provide proof of ownership and a full log book including dates, hours of use and litres of fuel, and invoices for any fuel being claimed.
No, the work undertaken must link to expenses incurred and this must be after 1 July 2018.
The infrastructure should primarily resolve issues with livestock. For example, materials that lead directly to a house and is clearly for domestic use cannot be claimed. However, where the water infrastructure will support other needs, such as irrigation and domestic water, it will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Yes, as long as it improves water availability to stock.