In response, the Western Australian Government has announced a package that includes $2 million in hardship grants and $4 million in interest-free loans for farmers impacted by drought conditions.
Applications for the $5000 hardship grant are now open. Applications close on 30 June 2024 or when funding is fully committed (whichever occurs first).
Applications for the interest-free loans are opening soon. Check this page regularly for updates.
Key information
The grant scheme is administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Farm businesses facing financial hardship due to drought conditions can apply for $5,000 per business to help cover the cost of stockfeed, water and transportation.
The scheme offers a one-off grant of $5,000 to support eligible primary production businesses directly impacted by the current drought conditions.
The availability of grants is subject to funds being available. Applications close 30 June 2024 or when funding is fully committed (whichever occurs first).
Eligibility
Eligibility and assessment criteria can be found in the grant guidelines under the documents section on this page. If you are unsure if your farm business is eligible to apply, please contact the Rural Business Development Unit via the details provided below.
Please note, a range of documents are required as part of your application, including a hardship certification. You will also need to show evidence your farm business impacted by the extended dry conditions (see map for example). Further details and requirements are available in the grant guidelines.
Application process
Applications for the Hardship Support Grant are now open and must be submitted online via SmartyGrants (scroll down to 'Hardship Support Grant'). Please note, applications cannot be completed and submitted by a third party on behalf of the applicant business.
Please read the following documents before applying:
- Hardship Support Grant guidelines
- The WA rainfall deciles map for October 2023 to March 2024
- Frequently asked questions
Enquiries
Questions regarding the grant can be directed to DPIRD’s Rural Business Development Unit by emailing ruralbusiness.developmentunit@dpird.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9368 3082 (during business hours) before the closing date.
More information
A list of frequently asked questions can be found in the documents section on this page.
Interest-free loans
Applications for the interest-free loans are opening soon. Check this page regularly for updates.
Primary producers will be able to apply for up to $25,000 per business to cover the costs of stockfeed, water and transportation.
The funds can also be used to establish feed silos, water tanks and improved irrigation systems or any other infrastructure that supports drought resilience. The loan is repayable over five years with no repayments for the first two years.