Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme

About this grant

The Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme provides businesses and individuals with financial assistance to offset the costs of moving goods by sea.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Tasmanian businesses wanting to move goods by sea.
• The tasmanian freight equalisation scheme provides financial assistance for the costs incurred shipping eligible non-bulk goods by sea.
• The scheme aims to provide tasmanian industries with equal opportunities to compete in other markets, as tasmanian shippers do not have the option of transporting goods interstate by road or rail.
• The amount of assistance is based on the difference between the freight costs of moving the goods by sea and the notional freight costs of moving them by road over the same distance.
• There are 3 categories of assistance you can apply for:
• Assistance is available for freight shipping of eligible goods from tasmania for permanent use or sale on the australian mainland.
• The goods must have been manufactured in tasmania. goods manufactured on the mainland or outside of tasmania are not eligible unless they have undergone a manufacturing process in tasmania.
• Manufacturing or mining businesses in tasmania shipping eligible raw materials, machinery and equipment from the australian mainland to tasmania, or
• People or businesses in primary production in tasmania shipping eligible raw materials, machinery and equipment used in primary production from the australian mainland to tasmania.
• The goods must have been manufactured in mainland australia, or if imported, have undergone a manufacturing process in mainland australia.
• Assistance is also available for shipments of freight between king island, flinders island and any island in the furneaux group and the main island of tasmania.
• Find out more about the eligibility criteria at
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What the funding covers

• Reduced costs to transport eligible goods by sea.

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/tasmanian-freight-equalisation-scheme for application details

Application tips