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$2 million for new cattle underpass program

The Victorian Coalition Government has introduced a new $2 million Cattle Underpass Scheme to support the installation of road underpasses for livestock, creating an easy and safer option for cattle crossings on country roads.

“This is a great win for the farmers in Gippsland East, including those in the Macalister Irrigation District, who have been advocating for the return of the program,” said Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull.

“It is fantastic the State Coalition government has responded to Victorian farmers by boosting the funding available under this program.”

“The previous maximum of $30,000 has been significantly increased, with farmers now able to apply for up to $50,000 or 33% of the construction costs for building a new cattle underpass”.

The CUPS program has four core objectives: •    Improving road safety; •    Advancing workplace safety for farmers and their employees; •    Developing farm efficiency and productivity; and •    Removing impediments to the expansion of dairy farms and industry growth.

“The cattle underpasses program is a fantastic initiative benefiting both the farmers and the broader community by allowing farmers to move their cattle safely where the property traverses a country road without impacting other road users,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull said the CUPS project is administered by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) on behalf of Regional Development Victoria (RDV), who provided the funding from the Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Coalition Government is committed to driving development across the State, to ensure regional Victoria remains a key contributor to our future growth and prosperity.

“The CUPS program is a key example of why the Regional Growth Fund was a valuable asset in improving infrastructure and services in regional Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government constantly aims to create new opportunities for economic growth into regional towns. It is about strengthening local communities; building networks; creating opportunities; and delivering growth, employment and improved facilities,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Bull said, “I am encouraging our local farmers to ensure they get their applications in early for the new program.”