The Victorian Government has launched the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program to support primary production businesses in enhancing their drought management and preparedness through improved on-farm infrastructure. Eligible businesses can receive a grant of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to implement infrastructure upgrades, with a requirement for dolla-for-dollar matching funding.
The grants cover a variety of activities, including the construction of new or upgraded Stock Containment Areas (SCAs), reticulated water systems, irrigation system improvements, grain and fodder storage solutions, and internal re-fencing to optimise property layout.
Central Steel Build offers tailored hay storage and fodder storage sheds as well as bulk storage sheds, designed to meet exact client specifications. Our structures are value-engineered, hot-dip galvanised to endure even the harshest of Australia’s conditions and constructed from high-quality Australian Bluescope steel. Contact our agricultural specialists today to learn how we can assist you in leveraging the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant for a purpose-built hay or grain shed.
Application assessment and approval process
-
Applications will be assessed by Rural Finance, which will notify applicants of either in-principle approval or rejection.
-
Upon receiving written in-principle approval, applicants must purchase the infrastructure investment within three months.
-
Applicants are required to cover the initial costs of the project; Rural Finance will reimburse the grant amount afterward. The grant will cover 50% of the total infrastructure investment cost (up to $5,000 excluding GST).
-
Once the project is complete, applicants must submit evidence of payment, including tax invoices, official receipts, or bank statements, to Rural Finance.
Eligible local management areas
The following Local Government Areas (LGAs) are covered under this program:
- Ararat
- Colac Otway
- Corangamite
- Glenelg
- Golden Plains
- City of Greater Geelong
- Moyne
- Pyrenees
- Southern Grampians
- Surf Coast
- Warrnambool
- West Wimmera*
*Eligibility in West Wimmera is limited to primary production businesses located in postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318, and 3319.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible applicants must meet the following requirements:
-
Own, share, or lease a primary production business located in an eligible LGA or postcode within West Wimmera.
-
Hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN) that was active at the time of the program announcement (30 September 2024).
-
Dedicate part of their labour to the primary production business.
-
Derive more than 50% of their gross income from the primary production business in an average year, or generate more than $75,000 in gross income from the primary production business in an average year, which refers to a year without adverse climatic conditions.
The minimum grant amount available to eligible applicants is $1,000 (excluding GST), while the maximum is $5,000 (excluding GST). Eligible primary production businesses must provide a matching co-contribution equal to or greater than the approved grant amount.
Additional eligibility criteria
-
Only one grant will be offered per applicant.
-
An applicant with multiple primary production businesses may only apply for a grant for one of them.
-
Infrastructure works completed and paid for before the grant program announcement on 30 September 2024 are ineligible for funding.
-
Applicants are encouraged to align potential infrastructure improvements with their current business plans.
-
Activities funded through other Commonwealth and state programs will not be eligible for funding through the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program.
Additional support
Beyond the grant program, a range of support services is available, including technical decision-making assistance from Agriculture Victoria, the Rural Financial Counselling Service, and the National Centre for Farmer Health. Additional resources, such as the Farm Household Allowance and drought loans from the Regional Investment Corporation, are also accessible. For further information, please visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
How to apply
Before applying, please review the Program Guidelines to ensure your business meets the eligibility criteria. To avoid delays in processing, ensure all required information and documentation are included with your application.
Applications can be submitted online, via email, or by post to Rural Finance:
Central author
Central author : Oct 29, 2024 10:48:23 AM
