Landholders within the Port Phillip and Western Port region affected by the drought have the opportunity to access funding to assist in the development of Stock Containment Area (SCAs).
Stock Containment Areas are used to manage stock during adverse climatic conditions, prolonged drought and in times of emergencies such as fire. Confining stock can protect affected paddocks from overgrazing, wind and water erosion and make feeding and managing stock easier and more effective.
The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA) in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) are offering livestock producers access to the State Government funding to develop Stock Containment Areas (SCAs).
Livestock producers can qualify for $1,600 per SCA, to a maximum of $5,300 per producer subsequent to obtaining approval for location and submitting a feed plan. The funding is available to pay for fencing and gates, water pumps, troughs and pipes, feed troughs, earthworks and contractors.
To be eligible for an incentive grant, the following must be considered:
• SCAs must be designed and constructed in accordance with Landcare notes LC0075 (SCAs) and LC0077 (Water supply for SCAs)
• A Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Drought Soil Health Officer must approve the location and layout of the SCA prior to construction
• SCAs must be set up as permanent facilities with strong stockproof fencing, adequate gates and feed troughs and a reliable water supply
• A feed plan should be developed prior to construction. Information on feeding livestock in the DPI Cattle and Sheep Drought Feeding and Management is available from DPI offices
• SCAs should only be used for emergency or supplementary feeding operations
• Works must be completed by 20 June 2008
• Payment will be made upon final inspection by a DPI Drought Soil Health Officer.
Landholders interested in accessing funding should contact the Department of Primary Industries Drought Soil Health Officer Mark Hincksman (03) 5954 4004 or contact Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/drought
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