Farm Drought Support Grants VIC

About this grant

This program provides farm businesses with funding to help them improve their drought management and preparedness.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Victorian primary production businesses.
• Funding is available to assist farmers to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities to improve drought management and preparedness.
• The grant covers activities like constructing a new or upgrading existing:
• Internal re-fencing to better match property layout
• Water carting for livestock and essential business activities.
• A grant of up to $5,000 (excluding gst) per eligible primary production business is available statewide.
• Primary production businesses located in eligible lgas in south-west victoria are eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 (excluding gst). primary producers in the south-west that have already received a grant can apply for the difference between what they have already been granted, up to the maximum grant amount of $10,000 (excluding gst).
• Own, share or lease a primary production business in victoria
• Have an australian business number (abn) and have that abn at the time of the program announcement (30 september 2024)
• Devote part of your labour to the primary production business
• Derive more than 50% of gross income from the farm business in an average year, or generate more than $75,000 gross income from the primary production business in an average year.
• Funding for nt businesses to improve their cybersecurity
• Loans to support regional tourism projects

What the funding covers

• Funding of between $5K and $10K depending on where the primary production business is located.

How to apply

1. 1Confirm readiness: Ensure you meet criteria (e.g., ABN, turnover limits, GST registration), align project objectives with grant goals, and estimate time for evidence gathering and writing.
2. 2Gather evidence: Collect documents like financials, business plans, market research, project budgets, resumes, risk analysis, and support letters to prove capability and impact.
3. 3Register/log in: Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN) if needed, sign into the relevant portal (e.g., Business Grants Hub portal), and note any prerequisites like advisory service reports.
4. 4Prepare and write application: Address all selection criteria clearly (project details, government alignment, costs, outcomes, benefits); keep concise, factual, and compelling; validate for completeness.
5. 5Review, approve, and submit: Proofread, get stakeholder sign-off, submit online via the portal before deadline (no late entries); expect eligibility check, merit assessment, and outcome notification.
6. 6Visit https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/onfarm-drought-infrastructure-grants-vic for application details

Application tips