Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub

SOUTH-WEST VICTORIA DROUGHT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS – 2025 update

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia

ON-FARM DROUGHT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS PROGRAM ON OFFER IN 2025

Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Image credit: kgrahamjourneys

South-West Victorian farmers can access the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants

 

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These grants build on the existing support services available for farmers including:

February 2025 grants update

 

Ralph Cotter, Regional Drought Co-ordinator for Vic Hub partner Agriculture Victoria, said grants of up to $5,000 are available through the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program.

‘The grants are mainly being used to upgrade farm water systems, install stock containment areas or to purchase grain and fodder storage infrastructure.

‘Since opening in late October 2024, over 44% of available grant funds have been committed,” he said.

“Grants can also be used for a range of other on-farm improvements, including feeding system upgrades and drought-management tools such as soil moisture monitors and weather stations.

“Farmers should check out the grant program guidelines for the full list of eligible infrastructure improvements.”

Mr Cotter said the grant program is administered by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Looking for more information on stock containment? Find it here in this article about the Vic Hub’s Containment Feeding Adoption Project.

What are the grants?

 

South-West Victorian farmers impacted by the current drought conditions can apply for on-farm grants to help manage and withstand current seasonal conditions and prepare their businesses for the future.

Victorian Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Ros Spence, first announced the opening of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program in November. These grants will provide financial assistance to farmers managing current drought conditions and build farm business preparedness and resilience for the future.

“Many farmers in Victoria’s south-west are facing drought conditions, and I strongly encourage farmers to apply for an infrastructure grant and take advantage of the additional supports that are available.

“We’re investing $12.1 million into on-farm infrastructure to ensure south-west farmers are better prepared to withstand the effects of current and future drought conditions.”

Applications will be processed in order of receipt and the program will close when all funds are allocated.

 

Drought grant eligible areas

Eligible farmers can apply for co-contribution grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm improvements, including water infrastructure upgrades, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage and drought-management tools.

The $12.1 million grants program is open to farmers in south-west Victorian Local Government Areas that have been most severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions, including:

  • The Hon. Ros Spence Victorian Minister for Agriculture
    The Hon. Ros Spence, Victorian Minister for Agriculture.

    Ararat

  • Colac Otway
  • Corangamite
  • Glenelg
  • Golden Plains
  • Greater Geelong
  • Moyne
  • Pyrenees
  • Southern Grampians
  • Surf Coast
  • Warrnambool
  • West Wimmera Shire – southern half (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319)

These grants are part of a $13.53m Drought Support Package, which also includes a $1.43m investment in farmer wellbeing, technical decision-making advice and a dedicated Regional Drought Coordinator who will help ensure support is reaching those who need it.

Ms Jacinta Ermacora Member for Western Victoria
Ms Jacinta Ermacora, Member for Western Victoria.

 

Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora, said, “We’re supporting our farmers and local communities when they need it most with practical support to deal with the current drought conditions and to withstand future conditions.”

 

Further information

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186. This link takes you to past events, however, please feel free to check out the Ag Vic events page and link to anything of interest. We’re rolling out drought/dry seasons related events in the coming months for the south west.

For more information on the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program, including the specific areas of eligibility, visit ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 during business hours.