BEEF and dairy farmers in Victoria can apply for cattle underpass grants of up to $50,000 in a scheme announced by the Andrews Labor Government today.

The $3 million in funding for the Cattle Underpass Scheme (CUPS) is being provided from the $200 million Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund made possible by the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

On a South Gippsland dairy farmer today, Victorian Treasurer Tim encouraged producers to apply for the grants, with funding available from December this year. The grants will enable cattle producers to move stock across their property unhindered by dangerous road crossings, particularly during peak milking times.

Mr Pallas said agriculture remains at the very the heart of the state’s economy, employing over 190,000 people across the supply chain and remains a powerhouse on the domestic and international stage, “which is why we’re helping our farmers with the infrastructure they need to get their produce quicker from paddock to port.”

“We said that leasing the port would allow us to fund the essential infrastructure our primary producers need to run safe, productive businesses – and this is a clear example of exactly that.”

The Victorian Government earlier this week unveiled the $25 million AIJF-funded Local Roads to Market Program to upgrade local roads, intersections and bridges used by Victorian farmers, food transporters and agribusinesses – made possible through the lease of the Port of Melbourne.

This will be the sixth round of the CUPS program, which was initially established by the former Bracks Government in 2000. Since then, some 500 cattle underpasses have been built with a clear demand for more to be constructed.

The Victorian Farmer’s Federation will administer the scheme with funding provided to enable them to effectively manage the program delivery and promote it to farmers.

The Agriculture Infrastructure and Jobs Fund is investing in projects across rural and regional Victoria that drive economic growth, create jobs and boost the productivity of our food and fibre sector.

More information about the AIJF is available at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/infrastructure