Assisting WA farmers with phase out of live sheep exports by sea

The Albanese Labor Government is opening further grant programs as part of the almost $140 million Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package to assist Western Australian farmers impacted by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

The $30 million Farm Business Transition Program will provide grants of up to $75,000 per applicant to help eligible sheep producers prepare for the phase out, with funding to support new business plans or the adoption of alternative farming practices.

The program will be delivered over two rounds, with $20 million available in round one opening next week, and $10 million to be made available in 2026.

The $1.5 million Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program will help transport businesses adjust their business models before the trade ends, with grants of up to $40,000 per applicant.

Grants for both programs will open for applications on Tuesday, 7 October 2025 and close on Monday 1 December 2025.

Successful applicants will have to match the dollar value of the grant funding approved. For more information visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/2028.

Funding has also been awarded to deliver the Community Wellbeing Program, another important part of the Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package.

The $1.5 million program, administered by Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, aims to support Western Australian communities impacted by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

Activities will be delivered across the sheep producing regions of WA with funding allocated to:

• Rural Aid to support to individuals and their families through one-on-one counselling services, an in-school program, and program coordination ($825,254)
• Blue Tree Project to build mental health awareness and community cohesion through a program of engagement and local events ($278,156)
• Holyoake to upskill agricultural communities and networks to support individuals through mental health training ($396,590).

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“The opening of these grants next week and delivery of funding underscores the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to an orderly phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

“The grants will help businesses move into alternative sources of revenue and I encourage WA farmers to take advantage of these new opportunities.

“I am also pleased funding is rolling out under the Community Wellbeing Program which will help support connection and resilience in communities across the sheep producing regions of WA.”