Farm Drought Support Grants
The Victorian Government is providing practical support to farmers impacted by drought.
The Farm Drought Support Grants (formerly On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants) program is available to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought.
Statewide, eligible farmers receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage, water carting and pasture re-establishment.
See the program guidelines for the full list of eligible activities.
For eligible farmers in south-west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available through the grant program, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST). This increase is available to the 11 local government areas (LGAs) and the lower half of West Wimmera LGA (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319) that have had access to this program since September 2024.
A dollar-for-dollar co-contribution is required from the grant recipient.
Eligibility
Eligible farmers across Victoria can apply for up to $5,000 (ex-GST).
Farmers in eligible LGAs in south-west Victoria can apply for an additional $5,000, taking the total amount on offer up to $10,000.
Eligible LGAs in south-west Victoria as of September 2024 (up to $10,000 ex-GST) are:
- Ararat
- Moyne
- Colac Otway
- Pyrenees
- Corangamite
- Southern Grampians
- Glenelg
- Surf Coast
- Golden Plains
- Warrnambool
- City of Greater Geelong
- West Wimmera (postcodes 3312, 3317, 3318 and 3319).
Primary producers in the south-west that have already received a grant can apply for the difference between what they have already been granted and the maximum grant amount of $10,000 (ex-GST).
The grant program is being administered by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government. Applications will be processed in order of receipt and the program will close when all funds are allocated or on 30 June 2026, whichever occurs first.
For more information about the grants program visit ruralfinance.com.au or call 1800 260 425 during business hours.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service can assist farmers with grant applications: call 1300 771 741.
For more information on dry seasons and drought support, email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.