Water Saving - 02 September 2025

VIC Drought Relief Package

Victorian Farm Drought Support Grants (Up to $10,000 Available)

Amid ongoing challenges for Victorian farmers, the State Government has launched the Farm Drought Support Grants program to provide practical financial assistance to primary producers affected by drought.

This initiative builds on the former On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants program and focuses on helping farming businesses strengthen their resilience and preparedness through essential infrastructure upgrades.

Key Dates

• Program Closure: 30 June 2026, or until funds are fully allocated.
• Applications: Processed in order of receipt.

Grant Details

The Farm Drought Support Grants provide:

• Up to $5,000 (ex-GST) in dollar-for-dollar co-contribution grants for eligible farmers across Victoria.
• Up to $10,000 (ex-GST) for farmers located in eligible LGAs across south west Victoria, including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong, and parts of West Wimmera.

Farmers who have already received $5,000 through the program can apply for the additional top-up if they are in an eligible south-west LGA.

Eligible Activities

Funding is available to support a wide range of on-farm improvements, including:

• Water infrastructure upgrades (tanks, pipes, troughs, and dams)
• Stock containment areas
• Grain and fodder storage
• Water carting
• Pasture re-establishment

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be a primary producer operating in Victoria.
• Co-contribute an equal share (dollar-for-dollar) of the total grant amount.
• Undertake eligible activities on your farming property for drought management and resilience.

How to Apply

The program is administered by Rural Finance on behalf of the Victorian Government.

1. Review the full program guidelines to check your eligibility.
2. Prepare supporting documentation, including invoices, receipts, or quotes for proposed works.
3. Lodge your application via Rural Finance.

Applications will be assessed in the order they are received, so farmers are encouraged to apply early before funds are fully allocated.

Don’t Miss Out

This is a timely opportunity for Victorian farmers to strengthen their operations, improve water security, and boost drought resilience.

Other Ways to Save on Water Tanks

Victorian Farm Drought Support Grants are one possible pathway for eligible primary producers, especially where water infrastructure upgrades, such as tanks, pipes, troughs, and dams, are needed. Businesses, farms and rural property owners may also need to consider tax deductions, depreciation, instant asset write-off rules or primary producer water facility deductions.

For a broader overview, see our full guide on water tank rebates and tax deductions. Explore our drought-ready farm water tanks, which provide larger storage for rural homes, gardens, sheds, and livestock during dry conditions.

For properties preparing for dry conditions, our drought-ready farm water tanks offer larger storage capacity for rural homes, gardens, sheds, and livestock support.

👉 Contact Tankworld today and let our team guide you through the process to make the most of this government-backed program.