27/05/05
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance today announced an extra $300,000 would be made available for the producer rebate on the purchase of electronic devices for the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS).
Mr Chance said the additional funds from the Cattle Industry Compensation Fund would enable cattle producers to receive a one dollar rebate per tag on NLIS devices until June 30 or until the funds were exhausted.
This would coincide with the mandatory implementation of NLIS in Western Australia from July 1.
The Minister said at the recent rate of purchases, the previous allocation of $1.2million for devices purchased since July 1, 2003 was expected to run out by early June and would disadvantage some producers.
“The producer rebate has been highly successful in giving producers an incentive to adopt the new identification scheme,” he said.
“This has resulted in the original allocation being almost exhausted well before expectation.
“To date, more than 3,170 Property Identification Code holders have purchased about 1,100,000 devices with the rebate. Of these, 377,816 devices have been purchased in April and May 2005.”
Mr Chance said extending the availability of the rebate would greatly enhance the transition to the mandatory NLIS system.
The Gallop Government is ensuring regional Western Australia receives its fair share.
Producers can order devices through rural suppliers or direct from the manufacturer after completing an ‘Application for Approved NLIS (Cattle) Electronic Devices’ form.
Arrangements have been made for the $1 rebate per tag to be paid through the manufacturers to ensure producers gain the maximum benefit from the funds available.
Minister's office: 9213 6700
