The New South Wales Government has committed a further $2 million to the help keep dairy farmers and their livestock safe when crossing busy roadways through the NSW Cattle Underpass Scheme (CUPS).
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Sam Farraway, said the NSW Government made the decision to extend the scheme following positive feedback from dairy farmers after the first round.
“Our Government understands the importance of our $647 million dairy industry to the state’s economy,” he said.
“An underpass means dairy farmers can move their livestock safely between paddocks that are separated by a road, keeping cows off that road and keeping motorists safe.
“The additional $2 million builds on our election commitment of $3 million in 2015 which saw over seven projects, including underpasses and warning lights, funded, all of which have been completed.”
Round One of the NSW Cattle Underpass Scheme (CUPS) provided a financial contribution towards the constructing of underpasses beneath public roads to allow cattle to move safely from paddocks to other paddocks or facilities.
Round Two will support NSW dairy farmers to construct underpasses or warning flashing lights and signs to reduce risks to motorists, livestock and producers from regular livestock movements across public roads.
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Dugald Saunders, said the latest round of funding will require a co-contribution from dairy producers to assist with construction costs of an underpass.
“We know that dairy farmers in NSW have had it tough over the last few years, with drought and flood posing significant challenges,” he said.
“That’s why the NSW Government has amended the guidelines so dairy farmers in any disaster declared LGA since 2019 will be eligible for up to 70 per cent of related underpass costs.”
Grants are available for 50 per cent of the cost of an underpass, up to a maximum of $100,000 plus GST and for 50 per cent of the cost of signs and flashing lights, up to a maximum of $20,000 plus GST.
eastAUSmilk Co-CEO, Shaughn Morgan, said the industry will appreciate this announcement.
“There is no doubt that dairy farmers have been some of the worst affected by the floods we’ve seen over the past year, and we still have a long road to recovery ahead of us,” he said.
“It’s positive to see ongoing support from the NSW Government; announcements like these remind us that we are not alone in this recovery process.”
Interested producers can find out what is required to apply and lodge an application here.
In other news, the rehabilitation of Mount Morgan gold mine in Central Queensland is expected to benefit the economy of the wider Rockhampton region.
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