With seasonal conditions remaining unpredictable across much of Queensland, now is an important time for primary producers to invest in measures that strengthen long term drought resilience.

The Queensland Government’s Drought Preparedness Grants, administered by QRIDA, are currently open and provide funding support to help eligible primary producers improve their property’s preparedness for future dry conditions.

What is available?

Primary producers can now apply for a grant of up to 25% of the cost of purchasing, upgrading and installing permanent capital infrastructure. Please note that the remaining 75% of the project costs need to be funded by the applicant.

Applicants may receive a maximum cumulative amount of $50,000 in assistance, either through a single application or multiple applications. This total includes any grants previously received under the Drought Preparedness Grants Scheme 2021-2024 (closed) as well as the current scheme.

The grant aims to assist producers with the cost of projects that will establish or improve existing permanent capital infrastructure, and to carry out drought preparedness activities identified in their Farm Business Resilience Plan. 

Applications remain open until available funding is exhausted.

Farm Business Resilience Plan

A Farm Business Resilience Plan is a mandatory requirement for accessing the Drought Preparedness Grant and is a critical part of the assessment process.

The plan must identify the key drought risks facing the business and clearly link the proposed infrastructure project to practical actions that improve drought preparedness, resilience and long‑term viability. Projects that are not supported by, or clearly aligned with, the resilience plan will not be eligible for funding.

QRIDA strongly recommends that producers engage with the Farm Business Resilience Program to prepare their plan. The program is provided at no cost to eligible producers, and QRIDA notes that the majority of applicants who complete a plan through an approved provider meet the grant requirements prior to applying. List of program providers can be found on the QRIDA website.

Importantly, a well‑prepared Farm Business Resilience Plan not only supports the grant application but also helps producers make informed decisions about capital investment, cash flow management and risk mitigation in the face of increasingly variable seasonal conditions.

Examples of eligible projects

Funding may be used for a wide range of drought‑resilience infrastructure, including (but not limited to):

• Water infrastructure including pipes, water tanks, water troughs, dam construction, drilling a working bore, water conservation infrastructure and water pumps
• Storage, mixing and feeding out equipment for grain, fodder, molasses and other supplements
• Grain storage and equipment that improves the ability of grain growing businesses to manage drought

Project eligibility

To be eligible for Drought Preparedness Grant, the project will:

• Involve the purchase, upgrade or installation of permanent capital infrastructure
• Improve the ability of the primary production business to prepare for, continue to operate in, or recover from drought conditions
• Be a drought preparedness activity listed in the Farm Business Resilience Plan
• Not have commenced prior to approval of the grant

Deposits (generally payments of up to 50% of total costs) may be paid for the purchase of materials or engaging contractors up to 90 days before the approval of assistance.

Key eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Drought Preparedness Grant, applicants must:

• Demonstrate that at least one person in the primary production business meets the definition of a primary producer
• Demonstrate the ability to provide the remaining contribution to the grant amount requested
• Demonstrate that any necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained
• Provide a Farm Business Resilience Plan satisfactory to QRIDA

Applicants must not have:

• Made an application to the Department of Primary Industries, supported by an invoice issued in the past six month period, for assistance under:
  • a freight subsidy under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme
  • the Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate under the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme
• Previously received a Drought Preparedness Grant for the same project activity
• Previously received a total of $50,000 under the Drought Preparedness Grant program

How the grant can help

These grants are aimed at proactive preparation rather than crisis response. Investing in permanent infrastructure now can help:

• Secure water and feed supplies
• Improve operational efficiency during dry periods
• Reduce business vulnerability to future drought conditions

Importantly, a QRIDA Sustainability Loan may be used to fund the producer’s co‑contribution component of the project, where appropriate.

How to apply

Applications are made directly through QRIDA. Supporting documentation, including quotes and a Farm Business Resilience Plan, is required as part of the assessment process.

Further details and application information are available on the QRIDA website: Drought Preparedness Grants – QRIDA [qrida.qld.gov.au]

If you require any assistance in understanding the taxation implications above, please contact your Hall Chadwick QLD advisor.