Up to $5 million to support Western Australian sheep producers and supply chain businesses to adjust to the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea.
On this page you will find
What is the Supply Chain Capacity Program (SCCP)?
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.
The Supply Chain Capacity Program (SCCP) is part of the Australian Government’s $139.7 million transition assistance package to help individuals, businesses, and communities adjust to the removal of live exports, while moderating the impact of the change. Its central aim is to create a stronger, more resilient sheep industry and supply chain for WA.
Two streams of support are available:
- Capital investments for producers – to expand on-farm finishing capacity.
- Capital investments for processors – to enhance processing supply chain capacity, efficiency, and productivity.
Supply Chain Capacity Program level of support
Grants
- Capital investments for producers – Grants from $50,000 to $2 million for on-farm finishing.
- Capital investments for processors – Grants from $50,000 to $5 million for projects enhancing onshore processing capacity, efficiency, and productivity.
A business entity (and related entities) may apply for multiple projects, up to the total maximum within its relevant stream.
Co-contribution
- Applicants must provide dollar-for-dollar matching co-contributions (at least 50% of total project cost).
- Cash contributions only count towards co-funding – in-kind contributions are not accepted.
Supply Chain Capacity Program important dates
- Applications close: 5:00 pm AWST, 22 October 2025
- Assessment and approvals: From 23 October 2025
- Notification of outcomes: January 2026
- Earliest project start date: Within 6 months of executing a grant agreement
- Project completion deadline: 30 June 2028
- Final acquittals due: 30 September 2028
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Supply Chain Capacity Program objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase onshore processing capacity in WA’s sheep industry.
- Support producers and processors to adapt to the phase-out of live exports.
- Encourage investment in infrastructure and technology.
- Build confidence and resilience in the industry while capturing future market opportunities.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Supply Chain Capacity Program support
Eligible Expenditures
Funding can be used for new or accelerated planned capital projects, including:
- Lairage, ramps, cold stores, and wastewater upgrades.
- Heavy vehicle access improvements and associated driver facilities.
- Development or upgrading of feedlots.
- Installation of objective carcase measurement (OCM) technology, software upgrades, and training.
- On-farm finishing infrastructure.
Ineligible Expenditures
The program will not fund:
- Costs incurred before the project commencement date in the grant agreement.
- Operational expenditure (wages, utilities, rent, relocation costs).
- Application preparation costs.
- Travel expenses.
- Purchase of land.
- Residential or non-livestock buildings.
- Legal, consulting, licensing, or project management fees.
- Feasibility studies or regulatory document preparation.
- Research and development.
- Repairs or like-for-like replacements considered part of normal operations.
Other Supply Chain Capacity Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Supply Chain Capacity Program support
Applicants must:
- Operate (or intend to operate) in WA’s sheep supply chain.
- Be a private sector business, public company, grower cooperative, incorporated trustee, conglomerate, or partnership.
- Hold an ABN and be GST-registered.
- Have been in operation for a minimum of two years (with financial records).
- Be financially viable and able to co-fund at least 50% of the project.
- Intend to deliver their project by 30 June 2028.
Not eligible:
- Government agencies.
- Industry associations.
- Publicly funded research institutions.
- Foreign entities without Australian business registration.
- Businesses linked to DPIRD staff or RBDC Board Directors.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Supply Chain Capacity Program assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed competitively by an Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) and recommendations forwarded to the RBDC.
Weightings are applied to each assessment area:
1. Direct and Indirect Economic Benefit – 40%
- Demonstrate improvements in competition, capacity, efficiency, productivity, and resilience.
- Show how the project will create employment opportunities (including job numbers, upskilling, or diversification).
- Outline any innovation or technological advancements and the benefits these will deliver.
2. Project Delivery – 40%
- Provide detailed project plans and technical feasibility.
- Present a realistic timeline and risk management strategies.
- Show infrastructure is fit-for-purpose and regulatory requirements are considered.
- Demonstrate financial capacity and ongoing operational viability.
3. Industry Integration – 20%
- Show how the project fits into the WA sheep market/supply chain.
- Describe the expected market for the output.
- Demonstrate how the project will help the business manage the transition from live exports.
Other factors considered:
- Previous grant performance with DPIRD.
- Compliance standing with taxation and regulatory authorities.
- Risk assessments and financial sustainability.
How do I get the Supply Chain Capacity Program?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
To maximise chances of success, applicants should clearly demonstrate the following in their submission:
- Economic Contribution – Show how the project will boost competition, efficiency, productivity, and resilience in the WA sheep supply chain.
- Innovation and Technology – Highlight any new infrastructure, digital systems, or technological advancements and their benefits.
- Project Feasibility and Delivery – Provide a clear project plan with timelines, milestones, and risk management strategies.
- Financial Capacity – Prove the business is financially viable and able to meet the 50% cash co-contribution.
- Industry Integration – Demonstrate how the project aligns with the broader WA sheep market and supports the transition from live exports.
- Value for Money – Explain why the project is a sound investment with wider economic, environmental, and social benefits.
- Compliance Standing – Confirm the business is in good standing with tax, regulatory, and licensing requirements.
Information to prepare for the Supply Chain Capacity Program application
Applicants must supply:
- Business details (ABN, GST registration, financial statements for past 2 years).
- Evidence of sheep processing or production operations (if applicable).
- Detailed project description, objectives, and business case.
- Itemised budget and evidence of co-contribution.
- Current quotes for capital works.
- Project schedule and risk mitigation plan.
- Evidence of regulatory compliance and engagement with authorities.
- Supporting documents (trust deed if applicable, export licence if relevant).
- Applications requesting more than $500,000 must provide more detailed supporting documentation.
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Supply Chain Capacity Program
Applications must be lodged online via SmartyGrants.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Supply Chain Capacity Program resources
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