What is a whole farm plan?

A whole farm plan (WFP) is a blueprint for the development of the complete irrigation system on a farm. It can include the design and documentation for the refurbishment and construction of supply channels, paddock layouts, structures, drainage, recycling systems and storages.

How would a whole farm plan benefit my farm?

A WFP provides the opportunity to prepare a strategic plan for the development and operation of the property. This can cover issues such as:

• Operational benefits through improved paddock and irrigation layout,
• Reduced costs through improved water use efficiency through recycling and on-farm storage,
• Improving production by matching land-use to land capability,
• Environmental and production benefits through tree planting and reduced accession to the watertable,
• Developing a works budget and schedule.

Why do I need a whole farm plan?

WFP’s are a vital step on the path to developing a more sustainable irrigated agriculture in Coleambally. The implementation of the LWMP is based in the strategic planning that a WFP provides for each property. Subsequently, a WFP is a prerequisite for receiving incentive payments for LWMP implementation works.

What funding assistance is available for whole farm plans?

Incentives are available for Whole Farm Plans (WFP’s) completed before 2012. The incentive offered is 80% of the total cost up to a maximum of $30 per hectare.  For 2000 numbered farms - 80% of the total cost up to a maximum of $30 per hectare developed for irrigation (maximum area not to exceed 330ha).  The first 145 WFP’s will be at the rate of $30 per ha, and any other WFP after that will be at a rate of $12.50per ha.  All farms using flood irrigation must have an LWMP compliant WFP by July 2012.

Who can prepare a whole farm plan?

For WFP’s prepared after July, 1998, CICL will pay incentives only for plans completed by contracted Survey and Design Companies.

What are the requirements to be eligible for funding assistance?

·        Completion of EM-31 surveying of the farm.

·        Whole Farm Plan must be designed by a CICL recognised contractor. A list of those contractors is available from regional staff.

·        All survey work should be carried out on Australian Height Datum (AHD).

·        Both a hard copy and a digital copy of the WFP must be submitted to CICL in a format compatible with ArcGIS9.

·        The WFP must include a recycling system with a holding capacity of 2mm per irrigable hectare except where more than 60 hectares of summer row crop is grown per year, in which case a holding capacity of 4mm per hectare is required.

·        A Vegetation Management Outline must be completed.

·        Any funding received under Salt Action or Waterwise will be deducted from the incentive available to the farm.

·        The landholder must complete a CICL approved education program.

·        All LWMP incentive funding received by the landholder must be returned to CICL if the WFP is not completed and fully LWMP compliant within two years of the commencement date.

Can I claim a rebate for an existing whole farm plan?

Incentives are available to update WFP’s that have been developed between 1 March, 1994 and July, 1998, to the value of 100% of the total cost up to a maximum of $3,000 per farm.  However, these plans need to meet the following criteria:

• WFP contractor surveying the tops and bottoms of all fields (i.e. asset capture).
• In the event that a paddock/s has not been lasered, the landholder will need to demonstrate that the paddock waters adequately.
• WFP contractor providing all levels on the recycle system to determine the capacity of the system.
• WFP contractor providing connection of the WFP to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
• EM-31 of the property must be completed.
• A Vegetation Management Outline must be completed.
• Must include a plan showing the farm layout, including paddocks that have been lasered. The Plan must show supply/drain and recycle system layout and storage capacity of the system.
• Both a hard copy and a digital copy of the WFP must be submitted to CICL in a format compatible with ArcGIS9.
• The landholder must complete a CICL approved education program.
• Any funding received under Salt Action or Waterwise will be deducted from the maximum incentive available for whole farm planning for the farm. ($30 per/ha)

How do I apply for funding?

• Contact your Regional Staff.
• Finalise a WFP contractor in consultation with regional staff.
• Obtain a quote from the contractor and upon your approval the WFP process will begin.
• Payments will be made in instalments at the survey stage and the design stage. At the survey stage and upon proof of payment to the contractor by the landholder, a portion of the incentive will be paid to the landholder. Once the WFP has been completed (design stage) and CICL is provided with both hard copy and digital copy, and the landholder is satisfied with the plan and has signed off his acceptance of the design, the remaining incentive will be paid in full to the landholder.

For more information see the attached brochure…Whole Farm Plans & Whole Farm Plan Verification