What is an on-farm recycle system?

An on-farm recycle system is any system that collects tailwater or run-off from the paddock and returns it to the on-farm irrigation supply system.

How would a recycle system benefit my farm?

On-farm recycle systems effectively increase the supply of water available to your farm by supplementing supply from the wheel. This additional supply can be used to increase the rate of application or irrigate previously uncommendable land. Recycle systems also allow increased flexibility of irrigation and drainage water quality management on the farm.

What funding assistance is available for on-farm recycle systems?

Incentives are available for all on-farm recycle systems completed before 2014. 

• The available incentive is 80% of the total cost up to a maximum of $100 per hectare drained (for the first 110 systems the rate of $100 will apply then the rate will drop to $42.50per ha.)
• For Split Farms (additional blocks or those farms split by community drainage, supply or road) the new recycle incentive rate will be applied across all of the farm area. This can be applied retrospectively where one part of the farm has a completed recycle system and has already accessed some incentive funding. In this case, the additional funding will be used to supplement the cost of construction on the second part. Any previous recycle incentive amount accessed will be subtracted from the newly calculated incentive. See CICL staff for further information.
• Any funding received under Salt Action/Waterwise will be deducted from the incentive available to the farm.
• The target is 85% of the CIA to be drained to recycle systems by July 2014. Those without recycle systems by then will need to demonstrate how any contaminated drainage water will be contained.
• An incentive of 80% of the cost up to $10,000 is available for upgrading pre 1994 systems.

Can I claim a rebate for an existing recycle system?

If you have an existing on-farm recycle system that was completed after March, 1994, you may be eligible for a retrospective incentive, less any incentive paid by “Salt Action”. Recycle systems completed before March, 1994 are not eligible for the incentive (any work done prior to 1994 is not eligible for the incentive).

Upfront Payment of incentive

In order to speed up the process of installing a recycle system, Coleambally Irrigation has decided to make incentive payments upfront.

Payments maybe paid to suppliers or contractors with a written agreement that the system will be complete and operational within a one year period.

What are the requirements for an on-farm recycle system to be eligible for funding assistance?

• Capture run-off from 100% of the farm where possible. The incentive will only be available for the area which can be drained into the recycling system.
• Have the capacity to return water to at least 50% of the irrigable area of the farm.
• Have 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.
• Be located on a suitable soil type such as “Rice Suitable” soils, as determined by EM31 survey and drilling. At least 1.0 metre of clay must be present below the bed of the recycle system. Where soil types are unsuitable, the recycle system must be lined with 600mm of compacted clay.
• Have drain bed levels set at least 200mm below the bottom of irrigation bay levels.
• Be served by a permanent pump installation, and/or movable pump as identified in the WFP. The capacity of the pump/s must be a minimum of 6ML per day. If there is more than one pumping station then the composite total of the pumping capacity must be a minimum of 6ML per day.
• Include an overflow sill to allow storm run-off to spill into the regional drainage system. (2000 Farms are exempt from this criteria if they have no access to the regional drainage system.)
• Be designed to a satisfactory standard. The design should provide details of the pipework and pumping arrangements, including type, size and levels of structures.
• Comply with the planning requirements of Jerilderie or Murrumbidgee Shire Local Environmental Plans, State Environmental Planning Policy No 52, and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. This may require that a Development Application be made to the responsible Shire Council.
• The landholder must complete a CICL approved education program.

How can I apply for the full on-farm recycle system funding incentive?

To apply for Coleambally Irrigation’s funding incentive, complete the following steps:

• Complete the Application Form (see below).
• Retain all receipts and associated documents and submit to Coleambally Irrigation.
• Payments may be made up-front to the landholder with an agreement from the landholder that the system will be completed and in full working order within a one year period.
• If the works are not completed within the due time, the incentive amount will be refunded to CICL and interest will be charged at the company rate.

How can I apply for a funding incentive for an existing on-farm recycle system?

To apply for the retrospective funding incentive (for a system completed after March, 1994):

1. Complete a Whole Farm Plan and submit to Coleambally Irrigation for approval (existing WFP’s will need to be updated to meet current requirements) 
2. Fill out the Landholder Application Form for Claiming Recycle/Storage Incentive Funding, and submit to Coleambally Irrigation with construction receipts and documentation of any previous incentive payments.

Recycle Systems