On September 30, 2024, the Victorian Government announced a $13.53 million drought support package to assist farmers facing prolonged dry conditions across south-west Victoria. This initiative aims to provide much-needed financial relief for farming communities, addressing critical shortages in water and feed that have impacted livestock and crop viability since early winter 2023. As part of this package, the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program offers primary producers the opportunity to improve their infrastructure, strengthening their resilience and preparedness for future droughts.
What Is the Grant?
Eligible primary production businesses can receive up to $5,000 (excluding GST) to assist with on-farm infrastructure improvements, such as:
- Constructing or upgrading Stock Containment Areas (SCA)
- Installing or upgrading reticulated water systems
- Irrigation system upgrades
- Grain and fodder storage improvements
- Internal re-fencing to optimise property layout
- Feed system upgrades
List of Bushmans Products
| Suitable Bushmans Tanks | Closing Date |
| Liquid Storage Solutions | Until program funds are fully allocated |
| 660L up to 46,400L Water Tank | |
| 660L up to 46,400L Industrial Water Tank | |
| 660L up to 46,400L Storm Water Tanks | |
| 1,200L up to 46,400L Water Treatment Tanks & Systems | |
| Agriculture products | |
| 5,000L up to 30,000L Fertiliser Tanks | |
| 5,000L up to 38,000L Molasses Tanks | |
| 33L up to 5,610L Water Troughs & Feeders |
How Does the Funding Work?
The grant operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, meaning you will need to contribute an equal amount of funding to match the grant. Once approved, Rural Finance will reimburse 50% of the total cost of your infrastructure project, up to $5,000 (excluding GST).
Grant Amount and Co-Contribution
- Minimum Grant: $1,000 (excluding GST).
- Maximum Grant: $5,000 (excluding GST).
Who Can Apply for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants?
Eligible primary production businesses that meet the following criteria:
- Location: The business must be located in an eligible Local Government Area (LGA) or specific postcodes within the West Wimmera LGA.
- Business Ownership: The applicant must own, share, or lease a primary production business within the eligible region.
- ABN Requirement: The applicant must hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN) and must have held it since the program announcement date (30 September 2024).
- Labour Contribution: The applicant must dedicate part of their labour to the primary production business.
- Income Criteria: The business must either:
- Derive more than 50% of its gross income from primary production, or
- Generate more than $75,000 in gross income from primary production in an average year. An average year refers to one with no extreme climatic conditions (such as drought), where typical productivity and yields are achieved based on long-term commodity prices.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- One Grant Per Applicant: Each applicant can only receive one grant, even if an applicant operates more than one primary production business.
- Eligible Infrastructure: Only infrastructure projects started after 30 September 2024 (the program announcement date) will be eligible for funding. Any projects completed and paid for before this date will not be considered.
- No Overlap with Other Funding Programs: Activities that are eligible for funding under other Commonwealth or State programs will not be eligible for this grant.
Covered Local Government Areas
This grant is available to primary production businesses in the following regions:
| Region | Post Codes |
| Ararat | 3377: Ararat, Armstrong, Ben Nevis, Bulgana, Cathcart, Crowlands, Denicull Creek, Dobie, Dunneworthy, Eversley, Jallukar, Langi Logan, Maroona, Mount Cole, Mount Cole Creek, Moyston, Norval, Rhymney, Rocky Point, Rossbridge, Shays Flat, and Warrak |
| Colac Otway | 3233 – Apollo Bay, Cape Otway |
| 3234 – Barwon Downs | |
| 3236 – Lavers Hill | |
| 3237 – Aire Valley, Beech Forest, Tanybryn | |
| 3238 – Glenaire, Hordern Vale | |
| 3239 – Carlisle River, Chapple Vale | |
| 3242 – Birregurra | |
| 3243 – Barwon Downs, Gerangamete | |
| 3249 – Alvie, Balintore, Barongarook, Barongarook West, Barramunga, Coragulac, Dreeite, Irrewarra, Swan Marsh, Wool Wool, Yeodene | |
| 3250 – Colac, Colac East, Colac West, Elliminyt | |
| 3251 – Beeac, Warrion | |
| 3254 – Cororooke | |
| Corangamite | 3260: Camperdown, Bookaar, Bostocks Creek, Chocolyn, Carpendeit |
| 3264: Glenormiston North, Glenormiston South, Noorat | |
| 3266: Cobden, Bullaharre, Elingamite, Elingamite North, Cobrico | |
| 3267: Scotts Creek | |
| 3268: Timboon, Ayrford, Brucknell, Cooriemungle, Cowleys Creek, Curdies River, Curdievale | |
| 3269: Port Campbell, Peterborough | |
| 3323: Berrybank, Duverney | |
| 3324: Weerite | |
| 3325: Derrinallum | |
| 3361: Bradvale, Carranballac | |
| Glenelg | 3292: Nelson |
| 3303: Breakaway Creek | |
| 3304: Digby, Merino | |
| 3305: Portland, Allestree, Bolwarra, Gorae | |
| 3309: Heywood | |
| 3310: Dartmoor | |
| 3311: Drik Drik | |
| 3312: Bahgallah, Brimboal, Casterton, Corndale, Sandford | |
| Golden Plains | 3221: Batesford, Inverleigh, Gheringhap, Hesse |
| 3321: Bannockburn, Teesdale, Murgheboluc | |
| 3328: Shelford, Rokewood | |
| 3329: Barunah Park, Barunah Plains | |
| 3330: Maude, Steiglitz, Lethbridge | |
| 3331: Bannockburn, Gheringhap | |
| 3332: Lethbridge | |
| 3333: Meredith, Bamganie | |
| 3351: Smythesdale, Scarsdale (parts of Golden Plains Shire) | |
| 3360: Happy Valley, Piggoreet | |
| Moyne | 3265: Boorcan, Cudgee, Dixie, Ecklin South, Ellerslie, Framlingham, Garvoc, Glenormiston North |
| 3270: Killarney | |
| 3271: Darlington, Dundonnell | |
| 3272: Mortlake | |
| 3273: Hexham | |
| 3274: Caramut | |
| 3275: Woorndoo | |
| 3277: Allansford | |
| 3278: Panmure | |
| 3279: Ballangeich | |
| 3281: Bushfield, Woodford | |
| 3282: Illowa | |
| 3283: Crossley | |
| 3284: Port Fairy | |
| 3285: Codrington, Rosebrook, Toolong, Yambuk | |
| 3286: Condah Swamp | |
| 3287: Hawkesdale | |
| Pyreness | 3373: Beaufort, Chute, Cross Roads, Lake Goldsmith, Main Lead, Mena Park |
| 3384: Barkly, Concongella, Frenchmans, Joel Joel, Landsborough, Landsborough West | |
| 3465: Natte Yallock | |
| 3467: Avoca | |
| 3468: Amphitheatre, Mount Lonarch | |
| 3469: Redbank | |
| 3478: Moonambel | |
| Southern Grampians | 3289: Dunkeld |
| 3293: Cavendish | |
| 3294: Glenthompson | |
| 3300: Hamilton | |
| 3301: Hamilton (PO Boxes) | |
| 3302: Wannon, Byaduk | |
| 3314: Balmoral | |
| 3315: Harrow | |
| 3407: Gritjurk, Pigeon Ponds | |
| Surf Coast | 3217: Mount Duneed (shared with Greater Geelong) |
| 3221: Barrabool, Gnarwarre | |
| 3228: Torquay, Bellbrae, Jan Juc, Bells Beach | |
| 3230: Anglesea | |
| 3231: Aireys Inlet, Fairhaven, Moggs Creek | |
| 3232: Lorne | |
| 3235: Benwerrin | |
| 3240: Modewarre | |
| 3241: Moriac, Wensleydale | |
| Warrnambool | 3280: Warrnambool |
| 3277: Includes Allansford and areas just east of Warrnambool | |
| West Wimmera *only primary production businesses located in these post codes are eligible to apply |
3312: Apsley 3317: Dergholm 3318: Casterton 3319: Henty |
How to apply?
To get started, make sure your business meets the eligibility criteria by reviewing the Program Guidelines. Once confirmed, complete your application and submit all necessary documentation to avoid delays. If you need more information, read the Program Guidelines here (ruralfinance.com.au).
Applications can be submitted online, by email or post to Rural Finance:
Online: Please CLICK HERE to start your application online
Email: admin@ruralfinance.com.au
Post: Rural Finance, PO Box 1313, Bendigo Central 3552
Please contact Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 if you have any questions.
Need help understanding this information or filling in your application?
Free and confidential assistance is available to primary producers via the Rural Financial Counselling Service. To find your local Rural Financial Counsellor, call 1300 771 741.
Key Steps in the Application Process:
- Submit Your Application: Your application will be reviewed by Rural Finance, which will provide you with either in-principle approval or a rejection.
- Purchase Infrastructure: Upon receiving approval, you will have three months to purchase the infrastructure and begin the project.
- Reimbursement: After completing the project, submit your tax invoices, official receipts, or bank statements to claim your reimbursement.
Why Preparedness Matters
While drought conditions can be unpredictable, staying prepared is crucial to ensure farming resilience during these challenging times. Accessing available support can make a substantial difference in managing resources and planning for the future. If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, reach out for assistance.
Call us today at 1800 008 888 to learn more about your options.
