NSW Farmers says an additional $2 million from the NSW Government to build more cattle underpasses for dairy producers will improve safety on the state’s roads.
The Cattle Underpass Scheme was previously a key win for NSW Farmers, with grants available to farmers so they could build an underpass beneath a state road to safely move livestock between paddocks without having to stop traffic.
NSW Farmers Dairy Committee chair Colin Thompson said the latest funding expanded the scheme and made sense as it continued the commitment to provide safer road crossing options for dairy farmers, their cattle and motorists.
“Cows typically aren’t the most fleet-footed of animals and while we don’t like holding anyone up while crossing a road, sometimes that’s unavoidable,” Mr Thompson said.
“This announcement means more underpasses, so safer crossings for animals and for our farmers, and it keeps the road users happy as well.
“It’s pleasing news for eligible dairy farmers after a pretty ordinary year in 2022.”
The NSW Government has announced grants for 50 per cent of the cost of an underpass, up to a maximum of $100,000 plus GST (previously $70k) and for 50 per cent of the cost of signs and flashing lights, up to a maximum of $20,000 plus GST (previously $10k).
Interested producers can find out more and lodge an application at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/cattleunderpass
-NSW Farmers