The Water for Fodder Program applications will open on Monday 9 December.

The program will see 100gl of water sent along the Murray River for local irrigators to use for fodder production.

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley encouraged farmers to apply for water under the Federal Government’s Program.

"This is extra water secured by the Morrison Government that will help local farms and businesses, while also producing desperately needed fodder for other regions," Ms Ley said.

"Farmers can apply at the heavily discounted rate of $100 a megalitre from the second week in December, and water will start to flow before Christmas."

The Federal Government said it will pay the South Australian Government to turn on the desalination plant to produce water for town use.

Minister Ley said there are strict rules around the use of the water by irrigators.

"This water must be used to produce fodder or pasture – fodder cannot be a by-product," she said.

"Dairy farmers for instance could use it to feed their own herds, but for many farms this will be a stimulus to drive income while supplying fodder to drought ravaged areas.

"Farmers can apply for 50ml of water per access licence with a maximum of two applications."

Minister for Water Resources and Drought David Littleproud released guidelines for the program on Sunday.

"Water for Fodder will help farmers feed livestock so they can recover quickly when the drought breaks," Minister Littleproud said.

"It will help farmers keep their herds healthy so they’re not forced to destock, with applications for the first 40gl opening in the second week of December with the water to be used by 30 June 2020.

"Our vision is for farm businesses and rural communities to be prepared for and capable of managing drought. This is just one part of our drought plan."

For eligibility and to apply, visit the https://www.agriculture.gov.au/water/mdb/programs/basin-wide/water-for-fodder.

You can also email further inquiries to waterforfodder@agriculture.gov.au or call 1800 900 090.