$1 million boost for innovative KI recovery projects

More than $1 million will be provided by the State Government to Livestock SA and Agriculture Kangaroo Island (AgKI) to support innovative recovery and resilience projects on Kangaroo Island.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said a continuous program of consultation and work had been rolled out on Kangaroo Island in the wake of the devastating bushfires in January 2020.

This latest support would further encourage co-investment, collaboration, innovation and long-term recovery and resilience for the Island’s producers, he said.

“Ongoing collaboration has ensured State Government funding is spent at the right time in the right places,” he said.

“This funding will continue to support primary producers in the medium to long term in recognition of the fact that the road to recovery can be a long one.

“The relationship between Livestock SA and AgKI has been productive and ensures that this vital State Government funding is appropriately managed and targeted to build a strong future for primary producers on the island.

“This funding follows on from extensive bushfire recovery work already funded and undertaken by the State Government on Kangaroo Island.”

In additional to supporting small businesses, tourism and wineries, major projects have included:

• More than $10 million being provided to primary producers under the emergency bushfire response grant program.
• Provision of the $600,000 On-farm Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.
• More than $3 million being dedicated to the removal of feral pigs from the island.
• Extensive funding for weed identification and eradication projects.

The announcement of the funding of $1,031,000 was welcomed by Livestock SA CEO Andrew Curtis, who said the organisation would work closely with AgKI - the peak body for the farming and primary produce sector on the island.

“This funding will help ensure that the island’s agriculture sector continues to be both sustainable and profitable,” he said.

“Projects considered for this funding will be assessed to ensure that they achieve long-term benefits for the island.

“Examples of the types of innovations include water security, farm infrastructure, pest and weed management, or other creative initiatives that make the farming community more resilient and improve the ability to respond to events in the future.”

If you are interested in developing a project please express your interest by contacting admin@livestocksa.org.au.

Expressions of interest close 30 September 2021 and can be emailed to admin@livestocksa.org.au.

Download the funding guidelines here

Download the expression of interest form here

Please contact Livestock SA for more information on 08 8297 2299.