WA Nationals call for more funding

The WA Nationals have welcomed the new round of State Government grants to help WA farmers improve on-farm water supplies, but have called for an even greater level of funding while the State can afford it.

Nationals party leader Brendon Grylls said "We have a budget surplus of more than $1.3 billion and now is the time to get serious about improving rural infrastructure, especially sustainable on-farm water supplies.

"While the new allocation of $1 million is important, much more needs to be done while State funds are available.

"Broadacre farmers, not connected to piped water services, can apply for up to $15,000 through the direct grants scheme to improve on-farm supplies and avoid the need to cart water, and I urge them to apply before the offer closes on April 30.

"When a drought hits, it is often too late to start infrastructure improvements and invariably valuable stock has to be sold off for farm businesses to survive.

"At Kalannie a couple of years ago, some farmers were forced to cart domestic water more than 40 kilometres because the government did not maintain adequate funding levels."

Mr Grylls said farmers could apply to fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of planning and installing additional water supplies for domestic, livestock and crop spraying uses.

The grants allow farmers to insulate their properties by sinking bores and building more dams.

"Supporting access to safe and reliable farm and rural water supplies will be a priority policy initiative for the Nationals as a stand-alone independent party challenging for the balance of power at the next State election," Mr Grylls said.

This follows Monday's announcement of a $700,000 boost by the WA government for the next Farm Water Grants Scheme, bringing total grants to $1.9 million in 2005-06.