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Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Packageon this page
Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant PackageOn 20 September 2008, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Climate Change and Water jointly announced the Australian Government's $57.1 million Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Package designed to assist small block irrigators who draw 100% of their water from the Murray-Darling Basin. The Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Package was available until 30 June 2009, and formed a part of the Australian Government's Water for the Future plan. On 13 February 2009, the Australian Government amended the eligibility criteria for the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Package to enable small block irrigators on farms up to 40 hectares in the Murray-Darling Basin to apply. Small block irrigators affected by drought and climate change could get help to leave irrigation through the Murray-Darling Basin Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant while remaining on their farms. Note: This scheme closed to new applicants on 1 July 2009. [ return to top ] Assistance availableThe Exit Grant, of up to $150,000, is a one-off, taxable and time limited payment to farmers who wish to leave irrigation. In addition, 2 complementary grants are included in the package:
The net asset limit is $350,000 for access to a full grant of $150,000. However, net assets exclude the value of up to 40 hectares of farm land and your principal home located on land used as part of the irrigation farming enterprise. If the value of your other total net assets is above $350,000, you may still be eligible for a reduced grant. For every $3 in assets above the threshold, the exit grant reduces by $2. This means that you cannot receive a grant of any amount if your net assets (excluding your house and land) are more than $575,000. [ return to top ] EligibilityYou may be eligible for the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant if:
The Australian Government has requested State Governments agree to a number of specified water reforms that will improve the functioning of the water market. This agreement is a pre-condition of delivery of this package to irrigators in each State. Access to the package in each State is conditional on that State agreeing to the specified water reforms but is not conditional on all the States agreeing to the reforms. [ return to top ] How to claimIrrigators who have had a Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Pre-assessment claim approved need to complete a Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant Post-assessment Claim form and have met all the requirements for the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant by 31 March 2010. Members of the irrigation farming enterprise will also be required to complete and lodge a Small Block Irrigation Exit Grant Post-assessment for additional members of the irrigation enterprise claim form by 31 March 2010. Note: You need to have your post-assessment claim approved by 31 March 2010 to access all the components of the Small Block Irrigators Exit Grant package. You can get a claim form by phoning the Murray-Darling Basin Assistance and Referral Line on FreeCALL™1800 050 015 or by visiting your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre or Agent . [ return to top ] Finding out more
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