Labor’s On Farm Connectivity Program has been labelled disingenuous by Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce.
Mr Boyce said Labor’s insincere application process for grants has created more frustration and heartache among the farming community.
It comes after Labor closed round two of the program, worth $18 million, less than a week after announcing applications were open.
Round one, worth $15 million, had previously been given a six-month timeframe.
“Something isn’t adding up and Labor needs to explain the process,” Mr Boyce said.
“This program is crucial for giving rebates to farmers, to aid with monitoring livestock, improving efficiency in water use and improving soil quality through smart farming.”
Mr Boyce added he’s been disappointed to hear that many farmers in his electorate have missed out on these rebates.
“It’s baffling how $18 million worth of rebates can be exhausted in less than one week,” Mr Boyce said.
“It’s obviously proven to be a very popular program, but unless you knew about round two opening, you would have had no chance of taking part.
“I have been contacted by constituents and businesses frustrated by this process, with some saying the process was time consuming and complicated and others finding out about the program after it had already closed.
“This process needs to be reassessed to ensure it’s fair for everyone. I do hope that there were many farmers in my electorate who were successful, but there were certainly people who missed out.”
