Organisations which supply connected machinery and connectivity equipment for primary producers are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the Albanese Government's new On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
The $30 million OFCP, which was funded through the October 2022-23 Federal Budget, will enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and fisheries to extend connectivity further onto their properties, and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology to make the sector more efficient."
The EOI process will create a list of suppliers who will participate in the program. These suppliers will be eligible for a rebate of between $3,000 and $30,000, offsetting 50 per cent of the cost of equipment purchased by primary producers.
Rebates will be available for a wide range of technology including external antennas, repeaters, boosters, sensors, automated tank systems and pump controllers, animal movement tags and relevant installation and training costs.
Rebates to fund connected machinery upgrades will provide a significant boost to these producers and will help drive growth in the sector.
The OFCP is part of the Albanese Government's $656 million Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan is funding additional rounds of the Regional Connectivity Program, the Mobile Black Spots Program, and extending eligibility for Peri Urban Mobile Program.
The Expression of Interest is available from the Department's website at www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia. Expressions of Interest will be open for four weeks, and close on 5 July 2023.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Albanese Government is helping our primary producers take advantage of the cutting-edge technology they need to succeed.
"The new $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program will enable primary producers to increase productivity and exports, and improve health and safety.
"Rebates of between $3,000 and $30,000 will make a real difference for a sector that feeds millions of people and supports thousands of jobs.
"I strongly encourage suppliers to submit an Expression of Interest to participate in the program."
