WaterSmart Farms Voucher Program WA

About this grant

This program provides funding and practical support to WA Wheatbelt farmers already planning to drill for groundwater.

Eligibility requirements

All of the following criteria must be met:

• Wa wheat belt farmers planning to drill for groundwater.
• This voucher program is designed for wheatbelt farmers in western australia who are already planning to drill for groundwater and want to know where to drill to target a bedrock aquifer.
• Applicants will be expected to:
• Cover the costs of drilling and undertake drilling prior to may 2027
• Work collaboratively with the watersmart farms team
• Allow access to their properties for surveys and monitoring.
• Financial and practical support is available, including:
• Vouchers valued at up to $10,000 (excluding gst) for eligible ground-based geophysical surveys
• A maximum of 2 drill incentive vouchers of $5,000 (excluding gst), to drill at sites informed by the geophysical surveys
• A geophysical survey of the property using the watersmart farms methodology
• Drill location coordinates and instruction notes for the driller
• Access to expert advice from researchers and hydrogeologists.
• To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be the landowner (or have legal rights to access, explore and drill on the land)
• Have an intent to drill for water before may 2027
• Be located with the
• Wheatbelt groundwater exploration eligibility area
• Funding for sa fisheries and aquaculture businesses impacted by the algal bloom
• Funding for nt tourism businesses
• Vouchers for wa aboriginal-owned businesses

What the funding covers

• Vouchers up to the value of $20K and practical support.

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/watersmart-farms-voucher-program-wa for application details

Application tips