G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
14 September  2023 
(23-6119) Page: 1/20 
Committee on Agriculture  Original: English  
 
NOTIFICATION  
The following submission, dated 12 September  2023, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Australia . The notification concerns new or modified domestic support measures 
exempt from reduction ( Table DS:2 ). 
 
_______________  
 
 
 
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Further Support for the Australian Dairy Industry  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Australian Government provided AUD 1.51 million over two financial years (2019 -20 – 2020-21) 
for investment in research and development to assist dairy farmers to succeed in the future. Funding 
was provided through two grants to:  
 
- Develop business tools to help dairy farmers understand their production costs as they relate 
to various milk prices on offer.  
- Investigate payment and trading options to provide dairy farmers with more say over how 
they sell their milk and greater transparency in the supply chain.  
- Develop a standard form contract to incorporate the requirements of the new dairy code of 
conduct ( Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes —Dairy) Regulations 2019 ). 
 
The purpose of the grants was to assist dairy farmers to:  
 
• Build financial and legal literacy and risk planning skills.  
• Gain greater transparency through the sup ply chain.  
• Receive better price signals for their product and more flexibility in payment options.  
 
Activities under the grant included:  
 
• Online business calculators to assist dairy farmers to understand their production costs as they 
relate to various milk prices on offer.  
• A standard form agreement between processors and dairy farmers that incorporated the 
requirements of the dairy code.  
• Research into blockchain and other technologies that provide flexibility in payment options and 
increased tra nsparency through the supply chain.  
• Research into alternate milk trading platforms, including those used in other industries, which 
may provide more choice and flexibility to dairy farmers for selling their milk.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commi tments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (a) (research).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 1.11 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 1.51 million (excluding GST).  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
18 October 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
16 December 2019 to 01 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Milk. G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 3 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modif ied domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Promoting the Importance of Bees  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The purpose of the Grant is to promote the role of bees and their impact on the entire food chain, 
to help protect bees and reduce their decline.  
 
The primary activities are:  
 
Provide support to the Australian Honey Bee Industry Cou ncil and state Associations to develop 
resources; and build engagement capacity – in order to raise awareness and understanding among 
profession beekeepers, recreational beekeepers and the public.  
 
Provide support for the development of a virtual resource library for beekeepers – particularly new 
industry entrants with small hive numbers.  
 
Provide support for research to:  
 
• Develop other non -obtrusive methods of hive assessment to enable early identification of bee 
and hive health problems.  
• Understand floral  resource management approaches and the effects on bees.  
• Identify opportunities to improve coordination between floral resource managers and beekeepers 
and access to alternated feed sources.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (a) (research).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.75 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 1.5 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
20 December 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
20 December 2019 to 01 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 4 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
SA Dog Fence Rebuild  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
The South Australian Dog Fence Act 1946  "provides for the establishment and maintenance of 
dog-proof fences in the State in order to prevent the entry of wild dogs into pastoral areas, and for 
incidental purposes".  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Under the Lands cape South Australia Act 2019 , inside the dog fence wild dogs are a declared pest 
animal and landowners are legally required to destroy any wild dogs on their properties.  
 
Wild dogs pose a critical threat to the viability of the South Australian sheep indu stry. Over the last 
decade, the impacts of wild dogs on the South Australian livestock industry dramatically  increased.  
 
The Commonwealth Government, the South Australian Government and South Australian livestock 
industry have committed to replacing the 1, 600 kilometres of the dog fence. This is expected to take 
up to 5 years.   
 
The rebuild of the Dog Fence will benefit livestock producers, particularly sheep producers and 
industry partners. A reduction in the number of wild dogs will increase the productiv ity of our sheep 
industry.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (b) (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.157 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 20 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2019-20. 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2019-20 to 2023 -24. 
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Livestock industry.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 5 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Smart Fruit Fly Management (SFFM) - Collaborative National Approach  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
2018-19 Mid -Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook Budget Measure.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The proposal is to support an agreement with the state and territories for harmonizing and enhancing 
fruit fly management. As part of the agreement, the Commonwealth will support research and 
development (R&D) activities into fruit fly management, and pilot program mes to identify and 
demonstrate effective fruit fly management techniques.  
 
The me asure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (b) (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 2.6 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 6.5 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
November 2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
November 2018 to June 2022.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 6 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program - Biosecurity M anagement 
of Pests and Weeds - Round 2  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
An amendment to the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997  was made to 
provide legislative authority for expenditure related to this program me. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Objectives of the program me are to assist drought -affected communities to manage the negative 
impact of pest animals and weeds on agricultural production, stimulate local economies, and support 
employment in areas where projects take place.  
 
The program me has delivered AUD 25 million (AUD 15 million for round 1 in 2018 -19 and 
AUD 10 million for round 2 in 2019 -20 and 2020 -21) for pest animal and weed management and 
wild dog exclusion fencing projects in drought -affected Local Government Areas (LGAs).  
 
Round 2 opened on 19  December  2019, with 183 eligible drought -affected LGA 's invited to apply for 
funding. Round 2 closed on 5  February  2020 and successful projects have been published on the 
Australian Department of Agriculture,  Fisheries  and Forestry website – 
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture -land/farm -food-drought/drought /assistance/pest -
management . 
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (b) (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expend iture AUD 3 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 10 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
Funding became available on 1 July 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S) ): 
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 7 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Established Pest Animals and Weeds Management Pipeline  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
An amendment to the Financial Framework (Supplementary Powers) Regulations 1997  was made on 
11 December  2018 to provide legislative authority for expenditure related to this program me. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Established Pest Animals and Weeds Management Pipeline (pipeline program) 
(https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests -diseases -weeds/pest -animals -and-weeds ) will deliver 
AUD 30.3 million over four years (2019 -20 to 2022 -23) to improve the way priority established pest 
animals and weeds are managed in partnership with state and territory governments, land managers 
and communities.  
 
The pipeline program me seeks to:  
 
− Gain a bett er understanding of the distribution/impact of priority established pest animals and 
weeds on Australia 's agricultural sector and environment.  
− Focus longer term research and development efforts on innovative solutions for controlling 
priority pest animals and weeds.  
− Increase the development and take -up of ‘farm -ready ' pest animal and weed management and 
control techniques through coordination, extension, adoption, and information sharing.  
 
Consistent with these objectives, the pipeline program me will delive r: 
• AUD 13  million for a competitive grant round that aims to advance a range of breakthrough 
control solutions that challenge traditional approaches for the control of established pest animals 
or weeds, by researching and developing new practices, methods and tools, or adapting existing 
ones for use in new or different ways.  
• AUD 5  million for a Project Agreement with states and territories to drive national coordination, 
extension and adoption of best practice ‘farm ready ' management and control techniques . 
• AUD 2  million towards the South Australia and Western Australia wild dog fencing projects.  
• AUD 2.45  million for national coordination activities/national coordinators for priority pest animals 
and weeds, includes AUD1.4 million committed for a National Feral Pig Management Coordinator.  
• AUD 7.9  million for improving national information and prio ritisation of pest animals and weeds, 
along with funding for program me staffing, administration and Community Grants Hub grant 
management costs. Please note that this allocation is currently under review due to departmental 
funding pressures.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(b) (pest and disease control).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 4.67 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 30.3 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2019.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 8 - 
 
  (6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2023.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific products.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 9 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Bushfire Technical Response Package (Wine Industry)  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
N/A. Support provided to businesses as part of bushfire recovery.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Research and development activities undertaken by the Australian Wine Research Institute to 
provide technical solutions, information and expertise to winegrape growers affe cted by the 2019 -20 
bushfires.  
 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(d) (extension and advisory services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 4.08 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 8.0 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
17 April 2020.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
April 2020 to December 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Wine.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 10 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Starting Farm Co -operatives Program  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Financial  Framework (Supplementary Powers) Act 1997.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Australian Government provided AUD3 million over two financial years (2019/2020 ‑ 2020/2021) 
to assist farmers, fishers and foresters to learn about and establish co -operatives and co -operative 
business models.  
 
Funding was provided through two grants  to: 
 
• Provide co -operative formation advisory services including information sessions, workshops and 
other events.  
• Develop information and factsheets.  
• Offer training vouchers to eligible farmers to offset the cost of training and education.  
 
The purpose of the grants was to assist farmers to:  
 
• Gain a greater understanding of the benefits of a co -operative business model.  
• Access relevant information and learning.  
• Hear from those who have benefitted from establishing co -operative organisations.  
• Undertake education and training necessary to understanding co -operative formation, including 
governance.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(d) (extension and advisory  services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
AUD 3.0 million across 2019/20 -2020/21.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 3.0 million (excluding GST).  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
18 October 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2019 to 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT  (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 11 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Victorian Wine Industry Development Strategy: VISIT Platform  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Agricultural Industry Development Act 1990.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
Visit Victoria created a promotional campaign for the domestic market. The campaign ran in the 
Yarra Valley, Bellarine Peninsula and Rutherglen. Activities included eco -luxury pop -up 
accommodation , pop-up wine bars and promotional videos, print and digital content.  
 
Program mes under this platform aimed to better connect the wine industry to local visitor 
experiences. Aligning the activities and messages of regional wine associations with those of 
Regional Tourism Boards aims to increase visitation to wine regions for the benefit of all businesses 
across the supply chain through flow -on effects to grape prices and regional economies.  
 
This measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreem ent on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(f) (marketing and promotion services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.5 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 0.5 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
7 June 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
June 2019 to September 2021.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Wine.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support me asures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Improving Great Artisian Basin Drought Resilience (IGABDR)  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations (IGA FFR).  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The purpose of this measure is to support strategic investments in immediate and long -term 
measures that improve water security and drought resilience within the Great Artesian Basin.  
 
Projects and activities that are eligible for funding under the program me include:  
a. rehabilitation or replacement of ageing, legally -operated bores and associated water distribution 
infrastructure which are in an uncontrolled state, or at high technical assessment risk of 
becoming uncontrolled and replaced with controlled bores and efficient watering system 
infrastructure. Particularly where such works will achieve significant and quantifiable 
environmental benefit or avoid significant and quantifiable environmental degr adation;  
b. rehabilitation or replacement of bores where there has been a critical failure of infrastructure 
assets previously rehabilitated under earlier program mes jointly funded by the Parties, due to 
the impact of highly corrosive water or a generic failu re of technology not due to poor 
workmanship or for the payment of normal maintenance costs;  
c. decommissioning of old bores where the state governments have implemented regulatory 
responses that require landholders to manage their own assets;  
d. water meter and /or pressure monitoring device fitted to any licenced bore. Monitoring and/or 
measurement devices installed must be pattern approved (by the manufacturer or supplier) in 
accordance with requirements of the appropriate Australian Standard;  
e. project managemen t costs, audits of works (including bore reviews), marketing and promotional 
material for the program me; and compliance program mes that assist state agencies to 
implement new Great Artesian Basin water management arrangements;  
f. activities to encourage landh olders to adopt best practice approaches to maintaining water 
extraction and distribution infrastructure including education and communication activities 
which assist in minimising the wastage of water and increase water pressure; and  
g. undertaking studies t hat assist with the development and implementation of water management 
arrangements within the Great Artesian Basin.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(g) (infrastruct ural services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 7.2 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 27.6 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
Announced 1 July 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
17 May 2019 to 30 June 2024.  G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 13 - 
 
  (7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEA SURE:  
Macalister Irrigation District Modernisation (MID) Project Phase 2  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
The MID Phase 2 project does not sit under specific legislation. However, it is being delivered by 
Southern Rural Water which is a statutory autho rity under the Victorian Water Act 1989.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The AUD 62.6 million MID Phase 2 project will complete the Macalister modernisation program me 
over four years, as part of the MID 2030 Strategy.   The funding will ensure completion of 
modernisation works across the MID, generating at least a further 10.3 gigalitres in water savings, 
increasing agricultural productivity, boosting the regional economy and improving the health of the 
Gippsland Lakes by red ucing nutrient run -off. Water delivery efficiency will increase to around 90 % 
once these works are completed. This allows for flexibility in changing farming practices.  Early works 
have commenced for MID Phase 2, which comprises several sub -projects, inclu ding supplies to 
Newry, Stratford, Nuntin networks and outlet upgrades across the MID.  
 
The project also supports the delivery of actions in the Victorian Government 's Water for Victoria 
plan, which outlines the State 's long -term strategic plan for the management of Victorian water 
resources.  
 
Specifically, the MID Phase 2 project contributes to:  
 
• Action 4.2: Invest in rural infrastructure  
• Action 4.5: Improve water delivery efficiency in irrigation districts  
 
More info rmation about the project can be found at the following link: 
https://www.srw.com.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022 -05/30042273 -Newry -Pipeline -Water -
Balance -Report -20210920_0.pdf . 
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(g) (infrastructural services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 1.3 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 41.7 million.  
 
The total project cost is approx. AUD 62.6 million with the remaining AUD 20.9 million to be funded 
by Southern Rural Water and its customers.  The above figur es refer to Commonwealth Government 
and Victorian Government combined expenditure and budget for the project.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
20 May 2020.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
20 May 2020 to September 2024.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Tasmanian Irrigation Tranche III  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
N/A. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Tasmanian Irrigati on Tranche III is supported by the Australian Government Department of 
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communication. The Australian Government 
has committed AUD 100 million over 5 years from the National Water Infrastructure Developmen t 
Fund to support the construction of sustainable irrigation infrastructure schemes that will assist 
communities, irrigators and businesses to use water resources sustainably and efficiently, consistent 
with nationally agreed water reforms.  
 
The project in volves the construction and augmentation of multiple irrigation schemes (up to 
10 schemes) in Tasmania.  
 
Irrigation schemes covered by the project in 2019 –20 are:  
 
• Don Irrigation Scheme  
• Fingal Irrigation Scheme  
• Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme  
• Sassafras -Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme  
• Tamar Irrigation Scheme  
• South East Integration Project  
• Southern Midlands Irrigation Scheme  
• Harcus Irrigation Scheme  
• Flowerdale Irrigation Scheme  
• Detention Irrigation Scheme.  
 
The project also will support inter-connectivity, enhancement and modernisation of irrigation 
schemes, with the potential to enhance economic development by the movement of water to its 
highest economic use.  
 
The Tasmanian and Australian Governments have committed a total of AUD 185 mi llion for 
construction of Tranche 3 schemes.  
 
The Tasmanian Government has committed AUD 85 million to support construction of the Pipeline 
to Prosperity, Tranche 3 schemes. The Australian Government has committed  AUD 100 million to 
support the roll -out o f Tranche 3 schemes, subject to a comprehensive due diligence process. 
Although this process is well -advanced, Australian Government funds are yet to be appropriated.  
 
Funding is provided to the Tasmanian Government for irrigation scheme projects undertake n by 
Tasmanian Irrigation, which is a wholly owned entity of the Tasmanian Government.  
 
Further development of the project concepts is ongoing, and the Tasmanian Government has 
provided funding to Tasmanian Irrigation in 2019 -20 and 2020 -21 that enables th e continued 
planning of Tranche 3 irrigation projects in order to bring all 10 schemes to construction readiness.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 16 - 
 
  This measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2(g) (infrastructur al services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 5 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 185 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2019-20. 
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
2019-20 to 2024 -25. 
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 17 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Bushfire Recovery  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
N/A. 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The objective of this assistance measure made under agreements between the Commonwealth and 
relevant State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, is to assist primary 
producers directly affected by the 2019 -2020 bushfire disaster events (eligible events c ommencing 
August 2019), with costs associated with immediate recovery activities needed to rebuild their 
primary production enterprises.  
 
The Emergency Bushfire Response in Primary Industries Grants provides a grant to primary 
producers to help pay for cos ts of clean -up and other emergency measures including disposing of 
dead stock, and rebuilding or replacing damaged or destroyed on -farm infrastructure. Damage may 
include that caused by fire, smoke, ash and/or soot.  
 
This measure is exempt from reduction c ommitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 8 (payments for relief from natural disasters).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 20.01 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 61.77 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO  EFFECT:  
1 July 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2019 to 30 June 2023.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product . 
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 18 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Landcare Action Grants Program  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Government election commitment to support l andholders with landcare type activities.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
AUD 2 million Landcare Action Grants Program (the Program) over four years, 2018 –2022, to 
co-invest with farmers, Landcare, and other community organ isations on practical, on -ground 
works for sustainable agriculture and Rivercare.  
 
The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) delivers the Program on behalf of, and in 
partnership with, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).  
 
The Program is designed to:  
 
• Improve landscape and riverine health, stability and resilience.  
• Support enhanced land management practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation.  
• Assist the community to holistically manage natural and pro ductive land and waterways across 
the landscape.  
• Provide opportunities for landholders to implement carbon farming initiatives in order to access 
carbon markets, in particular the Australian Government 's Emission Reduction Fund.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 12 (environmental program mes). 
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 0.54 million.  
Overall budgeted cost 2018 – 2022 expenditur e AUD 2 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
1 July 2018 to 30 June 2022.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Natural Resource Management (NRM) Community Stewardship Grants  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
Soil and Land Conservation Act 1945 , State Salinity Strategy (2000), Government 's response to 
Salinity task force report (2002), Land Administration Act 1997 , State Rangelands Policy, Forest 
Products Act 2000 , Carbon Rights Act 2003 , Carbon Credits Act 2011 . 
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
An initiative of the WA Government, the State Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program is 
designed to conserve and sustainably manage the State 's natural r esources by supporting local 
community groups to undertake stewardship of natural resources in their local area. A key feature 
of the State NRM Program is the Community Stewardship Grants.  
 
In this regard NRM refers to the protection and improvement of soi ls, water, air, vegetation and 
biodiversity as the foundation for the quality of life for both present and future generations.  
 
NRM involves managing the way in which people and natural landscapes interact.  
 
It brings together:  
 
• land use planning . 
• water management . 
• biodiversity conservation . 
• the future sustainability of industries like agriculture, mining, tourism, fisheries and forestry.  
 
The community stewardship grants are targeted at and delivered by not -for-profit community 
groups.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2  (other general services) . 
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 1.67 million.  
Overall budgeted cost AUD 58 million.  Agricultural activities with a natural resource management 
outcome are one of many activities that applicants may apply for from a total budget allocation.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
2018.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
Ongoing.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT ( IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
No specific product.  
 G/AG/N/AUS/155  
 
- 20 - 
 
  Table DS:2   
DOMESTIC SUPPORT: AUSTRALIA  
Notification under Article 18:3 of the Agreement:  
New or modified domestic support measures exempt from reduction  
 
 
(1) FULL TITLE OF MEASURE:  
Enhancing Australia"s Agriculture Trade measure - Accelerating Horticulture Market Access (AHMA)  
 
(2) DOMESTIC LEGISLATION REFERENCE:  
2019-20 Portfolio Budget Statement.  
 
(3) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MEASURE WITH REFERENCE TO CRITERIA:  
The Accelerating Horticulture Market Access (AHMA) project supports further development of an 
internationally competitive and profitable horticulture sector.  
 
The main obje ctives are:  
 
• To deliver new, improved or maintained market access outcomes, including through plant market 
access strategies and improving bilateral relations with trading partners by assessing import 
requests.  
• To improve access to plant genetics and propa gative material as critical business inputs for the 
sustainability and ongoing competitiveness of the sector.  
• To enhance Australia 's negotiating leverage with key trading partners by ensuring horticultural 
industries are export ready through timely progres sion and completion of complex technical 
negotiations for exports and import risk analyses.  
 
The measure is exempt from reduction commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture pursuant 
to Annex 2, paragraph 1 and 2 (d) (extension and advisory services).  
 
(4) COST OF MEASURE:  
2019-20 expenditure AUD 1.548 million.  
Overall budgeted cost July 2019 to June 2023 AUD 11.4 million.  
Ongoing funding per year after AUD AUD 2.4 million.  
 
(5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO EFFECT:  
1 July 2019.  
 
(6) PERIOD OF APPLICATION:  
July 2019 to June 2023, ongoing.  
 
(7) PRODUCTS TO PRINCIPALLY BENEFIT (IF ANY INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT(S)):  
Australian horticultural products.  
 
 
__________