SA Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities – Tony Burke, said the government was determined to “deliver water reform for the Murray-Darling Basin”.
Minister Burke said "off-farm infrastructure upgrade projects, some of which also include on-farm works, will be rolled out right across the Riverland.
"The use of such infrastructure can create water savings by recovering water lost to seepage and helping farmers to irrigate in a way best suited to their crops' needs,” he said.
"The upgrades are expected to save more than 3000 megalitres of water entitlements to be shared between the project proponents and the Australian Government.
Minister Burke said water savings will aid the recovery of the river system and wetlands and will count towards the government's commitment to 'bridge the gap'.
As part of the Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program for South Australia (PIIP-SA), Minister Burke has announced six second round funding recipients.
These include; Overland Corner Estate – $1195000; Agriproperty – Solora Farms – $125641; Agriproperty – Kangara Farms – $1281376; and Jubilee Almonds Irrigation Trust – $433380.
"This program will help us achieve that and assist farmers to build on their good work and become more efficient with their water use,” Minister Burke said.
The project works will include; upgrading pumps; mainline pipes; meters and filtration systems; converting or upgrading drip and sprinkler systems; installing soil moisture monitoring; and automation equipment.
The Private Irrigation Infrastructure Program for South Australia program is a component of the Australian Government's Water for the Future initiative.
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