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 available for capital projects that increase capacity, efficiency and productivity across Western Australia’s sheep supply chain, including:
- Expanding 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 (OCM) technology in processing plants, software upgrades, and training to support adoption of new systems
- Increasing sheep feedlotting and on-farm finishing capacity, efficiency and productivity
The Supply Chain Capacity Program (SCCP) forms part of the Australian Government’s $139.8 million transition assistance package supporting the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea, which will be prohibited from 1 May 2028.
The SCCP provides $40 million in total funding, delivered through two competitive grant rounds of $20 million each, to strengthen and future-proof WA’s sheep industry and supply chain.
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).
- In-kind contributions are not accepted.
- Evidence of secured funding sources must be provided at the time of application.
- The grant request cannot exceed 50% of the total project budget.
Supply Chain Capacity Program important dates
- Applications close: 5.00pm (AWST) 24 April 2026
- Assessment period: From 28 April 2026
- Notification of outcomes: August 2026
- Grant agreements executed: From August 2026 onwards
- Projects must commence: Within six months of executing the grant agreement
- Project completion deadline: 30 June 2028
- Final acquittals due: On or before 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 Projects and Activities
Projects must relate to new capital investment or the acceleration of planned capital works in existing or proposed sheep production or processing businesses.
Eligible activities may include (but are not limited to):
- Construction or upgrade of lairage facilities, ramps and holding infrastructure
- Cold storage construction or expansion, including efficiency improvements
- Wastewater infrastructure upgrades
- Improvements to heavy vehicle access and associated driver facilities
- Development or expansion of feedlots
- Installation of on-farm finishing infrastructure
- Implementation of technological advancements, including:
- Objective carcase measurement (OCM) technology in processing plants
- Software system upgrades linked to production efficiency
- Training to support adoption and application of approved technology
- Capital works that strengthen processing throughput, operational resilience and supply chain integration
All projects must:
- Be located in regional and/or metropolitan Western Australia
- Demonstrate value for money
- Be supported by detailed supplier quotations
- Commence only after execution of a grant agreement
- Be completed by 30 June 2028
Ineligible Projects and Expenditure
Funding cannot be used for activities or costs that do not directly relate to eligible capital infrastructure improvements.
The following are not eligible for funding:
- Activities that duplicate funding received under this or any other government assistance program (e.g. Farm Business Transition Program)
- Costs incurred prior to execution of the grant agreement (no retrospective funding)
- Operational or ongoing business expenses, including:
- Salaries and wages
- Utilities
- Rent
- Processing or manufacturing costs
- Employee relocation expenses
- Costs associated with preparing the grant application
- Travel expenses
- Purchase of land
- Residential or non-livestock building construction
- Licence, regulatory, legal, consultant or project management fees
- Feasibility studies or regulatory document preparation
- Protecting or patenting intellectual property
- Research and development activities
- Repairs, replacement or upgrades considered part of normal business operations
- Non-infrastructure items, except approved software systems and training directly related to technological upgrades (such as OCM implementation)
- Any other expenditure determined by the funding body as not meeting Scheme conditions
Only clearly documented, eligible capital expenditure supported by compliant supplier quotations will be considered for funding.
Other Supply Chain Capacity Program important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Supply Chain Capacity Program support
To be eligible, applicants must also:
- Hold an ABN and be registered for GST.
- Have an account with an Australian financial institution.
- Be authorised to enter into a legally binding agreement with the WA Government.
- Have operated for a minimum of two years (or demonstrate an established industry track record).
- Be financially viable and not subject to formal compliance or legal actions.
- Intend to locate the project in regional and/or metropolitan WA.
- Demonstrate capacity to fund the required cash co-contribution.
- Submit complete quotations that clearly detail supplier name, ABN, contact details, itemised costs (including GST), payment terms and expiry dates.
- Deliver the project by 30 June 2028.
Business clusters, consortiums and collaborations may apply, provided a lead applicant accepts contractual responsibility and provides evidence of formal agreements between parties.
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 provide detailed business and project information, including:
Business Information
- Financial statements for the past two financial years.
- Evidence of operation for at least two years.
- Revenue, employee numbers and business location details.
- Sheep processing or production data (e.g. number of head processed, feedlot days, cold storage usage where applicable).
- Bank account details.
- Trust deed (if applying as a trustee).
Project Information
- Detailed project description, purpose and objectives.
- Project address/location.
- Itemised project budget and grant request (maximum 50%).
- Current supplier quotations.
- Project timeline and milestones.
- Evidence of secured co-contribution funding.
- Business case outlining economic, social and/or environmental benefits.
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategy.
- Evidence of regulatory engagement or licensing (including export licence if applicable).
Applications requesting more than $500,000 will be expected to provide more detailed supporting documentation proportionate to the project scale.
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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