Water for Fodder—Round 1

Round 1 of the Water for Fodder program received 4,231 applications.

Stage 1 applications

The department assessed each application using the requirements in the program guidelines. During initial assessment, 389 applications were deemed as ineligible and 46 were withdrawn by the applicant.

An independent ballot process was used to choose the successful applicants. This process is described at section 3.4 of the guidelines.

This draw was performed using an electronic system compliant for use in Australia. Download the compliance certificate (PDF 28KB).

All applicants were notified of the outcome of their application.

Stage 2 applications

Under Round 1, there were 800 parcels of water available.

Note: The information provided in the infographic above is based on trade zone data. Information provided on data.gov.au is desensitised and based on self-reported data from successful applicants.

The department assessed successful applications. Some applications did not proceed, consistent with sections 4.3 and 4.4 of the guidelines. Conditional acceptance was issued to applicants on the reserve list to replace applications that did not proceed.

For a list of applicants who received an allocation, see data.gov.au.

Location of successful applicants

Round 1 carryover restrictions lifted

The then Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia agreed to lift carryover restrictions of water allocations received under Round 1 of the program for all participants.

This decision was made in response to autumn rain events and feedback from farmers participating in the program.

This means water received under the program can now be carried over into the 2020-21 water year, subject to water authority rules regarding carryover.

Carryover of water allocations is subject to the rules for the account on which you received the water. There are no special arrangements for Water for Fodder allocations.

The water must still be used to grow fodder. The allocation cannot be permanently moved to a different account or sold. It must be used in full by the end of the 2020-21 water year.

Temporary transfer arrangements

Some applicants hold accounts that do not meet the requirements for carryover. To ensure this water is able to be used in the 2020-21 water year, we permitted the temporary transfer to another account for the sole purpose of carryover.

A temporary transfer allows you to transfer water to an account capable of carryover and then back to your original account. You must pay any fees or charges associated with your temporary transfer arrangement.

Temporary transfer arrangements are required to be registered with us.

Water provided under the program must still be used to grow fodder on land linked with the allocation account nominated at the time of applying. It cannot be permanently transferred to a different account or sold. It must be used in full by the end of the 2020-21 water year.

For more information, email waterforfodder@agriculture.gov.au.

Program guidelines

The round 1 guidelines provide the full details on eligibility, how to apply and the assessment process.

Download the guidelines

Department of Agriculture, 2019

If you have difficulty accessing these files, visit web accessibility for assistance.