The Victorian Government has established the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program. It aims to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure that improves drought management and preparedness.

A grant of up to $5,000 (excluding GST) per eligible primary production business is available. It is to assist with implementation of on-farm infrastructure improvements. Eligible primary production businesses are required to provide dollar for dollar matching funding co-contribution.

The grant covers activities like constructing a new or upgrading existing:

• Stock Containment Areas (SCA)
• reticulated water systems
• irrigation system upgrades
• grain and fodder storage;
• internal re-fencing to better match property layout; and
• feed system upgrades.

Grants will be available from the date the program opens until program funds are fully allocated.

Assessment and approval process

The application will be assessed by Rural Finance. Rural Finance will notify the applicant of either in-principle approval or rejection of their proposal.

Upon receiving written ‘in-principle’ approval, applicants must purchase the infrastructure investment within three months of the date of the in-principle approval.

Applicants are required to cover the initial cost of the project and/or activity. After which Rural Finance will reimburse the grant amount. The grant will cover 50% of the total cost of the infrastructure investment (up to $5,000 excluding GST).

Upon completion of the infrastructure project, applicants must submit evidence of payment. This needs to include tax invoices and official receipts or bank statements, to Rural Finance.

Which local government areas are covered?

• Ararat
• Colac Otway
• Corangamite
• Glenelg
• Golden Plains
• City of Greater Geelong
• Moyne
• Pyrenees
• Southern Grampians
• Surf Coast
• Warrnambool
• West Wimmera*

*only primary production businesses located in post codes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319 are eligible to apply.

**No closing date provided. Please confirm with the issuer. **