ligible activities for water use efficiency grants and vouchers are:
| Efficiency activities | Grants to implement water use efficiency infrastructure | Grants to implement soil amelioration activities | Voucher program to obtain expert advice on water use efficiency |
| Funding available | Up to $50,000 per applicant, based on matched funding | Up to $30,000 per applicant, based on matched funding | Up to $5,000 per applicant |
| Total funds | $1.1million | $300,000 | $100,000 |
Gnangara horticulture water use efficiency grants program
The Grants Program opened on Tuesday 7 December 2021 and will close on 30 June 2024, or when funds are fully committed. Applications will be assessed in the order they are submitted.
To help decide whether you are eligible to apply for funds under the Grants Program, you should be able to answer yes to the following question:
- I am a commercial producer with a water licence and a right to take and use water for an established horticultural business that is being conducted on land in Carabooda, Neerabup, Nowergup, Bandy Spring, Carramar, Cockman Bluff, East Swan, Lake Mungala, Neaves, North Swan, Pinjar, Radar, Reserve, South Swan, Swan Valley, Wanneroo Wellfield or Yanchep, Western Australia (see attached map for eligibility areas): and
- I have been identified for a 10 per cent groundwater abstraction reduction from 2028 under the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan.
To receive a grant under the Grants Program you must demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria of the Horticulture water use efficiency grants program guidelines, also attached to this page.
Objectives of the program
The objective of the Grants Program is to deliver productivity benefits by increasing water use efficiency, by eligible horticultural businesses obtaining written advice on any or all of the following technologies including:
- Modifications to irrigation systems that increase the application of water uniformity;
- Changing from sprinkler to drip irrigation;
- Purchase and implementation of soil and/or crop sensor technology; crop monitoring equipment and annual data hosting fees;
- Installation of protected cropping options, which may include greenhouses, glasshouses, shade houses, windbreaks, or permanent netting;
- Soil amelioration strategies and inputs.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply, you will need to demonstrate you:
- Own, share farm or lease property that you use for horticultural production in the eligible area and identified for a 10 per cent groundwater abstraction reduction from 2028 under the Gnangara Groundwater Allocation Plan;
- Conduct the majority of your primary production business in Western Australia;
- Operate as a sole trader, partnership, trust or private company;
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and are registered for GST; and,
- Are a commercial primary production business (as defined in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997).
How to apply
Your application will need to be submitted online via the DPIRD SmartyGrants platform. Applications are open.
As funds are limited, applications will be assessed in the order they are submitted.
If additional information is required to assess your application, the Department will contact you by email or phone to confirm/request what is required. Applicants will need to provide requested information within five (5) business days.
Failure to provide requested information within five (5) business days may result in the application being declined.
By submitting an application, you are providing your agreement that should DPIRD request to visit your business for audit purposes to inspect the irrigation infrastructure, you will allow them full access to the property and any relevant information required.
