Assists Western Australian sheep producers and supply chain businesses to adjust to the removal of live sheep exports by sea and moderate the impact of the change.

The program, administered by the Regional Business Development Corporation, aims to ensure the onshore processing supply chain in WA is better positioned to meet the demands of processing sheep following the phase out of live exports by sea. Applications close on 22 October 2025.

It will incentivise investment in on-farm and processing infrastructure before the end of the trade to build confidence in the sheep industry and capture future opportunities.

By enhancing on-farm and processing capacity, the program seeks to position WA’s sheep industry to meet future processing demands and capture emerging opportunities.

In Round 1, $20 million will be available for eligible applicants under one of two streams. Funding is for capital projects, including:

• Expanding capacity, efficiency and productivity of onshore sheep processing facilities (e.g., lairage, ramps, wastewater upgrades, improved heavy vehicle access and associated driver facilities)
• Increasing cold storage capacity, efficiency and productivity for sheep meat products
• Installing technological advancements, such as objective carcase measurement technology in processing plants, software upgrades, and processor training for producers
• Increasing sheep feed lotting and on-farm finishing capacity, efficiency and productivity.

In Round 1, funding is available in two streams:

• Capital investments for producers: Grants from $50,000 to $2.0 million for on-farm finishing
• Capital investments for processors: Grants from $50,000 to $5.0 million to enhance onshore processing supply chain capacity, efficiency and productivity.

To be eligible for Round 1, applicants must:

• Operate or intend to operate in WA’s sheep supply chain
• Be a private sector business (including incorporated trustees), a public company, grower cooperative, conglomerate, formal/informal partnership or similar organisation
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST in Australia
• Provide dollar-for-dollar matching co-contributions.

Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider's website.

Smith Thornton subscribes to a grant search provider and can help you prepare your grant application. If you have any questions, our Business Services Advisor Jenna van Nierop will be happy to assist. You can email her at jennav@smiththornton.com.au or call her on 9842 5155.