To date, 43 applications have been approved out of the 63 received, with more awaiting sign-off.

The Scheme supports eligible primary producers in the Northern Territory by providing a 25 per cent rebate for up to $25,000 per property per annum for the purchase and installation of operational water infrastructure that manages the welfare of livestock and improves drought resilience.

DPIR’s Executive Director Agriculture Division Phil Hausler said the department had received applications from all parts of the Territory, with most coming from the Barkly, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs pastoral districts

 “The number of applications has exceeded expectations and it’s great to see that people are willing to take advantage of this assistance,” he said.

The opening of the Scheme was announced on 29 March this year by the Hon Paul Kirby, Minister for Primary Industry and Resources.

Funding has been provided for the implementation of the Scheme by the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture. Three million dollars was made available to support the Scheme across the NT.