Joint media release: WA sheep industry supply chain capacity increased through grants

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins
WA Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC

The first round of the Supply Chain Capacity Program grants, valued at $20 million, are set to flow to Western Australian sheep producers and processors to bolster capital investment and build productivity.

The program forms part of the Australian Government’s $139.8 million Sheep Industry Transition Assistance Package which is designed to assist as businesses adjust to the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

The Round 1 grants have been awarded to 40 producers to support investment into on-farm finishing systems and to 5 processors for capacity building, including lairage upgrades, cold storage enhancements and abattoir expansion.

The successful projects span the Wheatbelt, South West, Great Southern and Esperance-Goldfields regions.

Producer projects include strengthening production capacity and improving market readiness with new and upgraded feedlots, paddock finishing infrastructure, and other improvements designed to enhance supply chain reliability, strengthen flexibility, and support more consistent livestock supply to processors across the State.

The program, administered by the Rural Business Development Corporation (RBDC) on behalf of the Australian Government, aims to increase onshore processing supply chain capacity, efficiency and productivity in WA.

A second round of grants will open on 27 February 2026. More information about the program is available from https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/supply-chain-capacity-program.

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

“Our sheep industry is a proud and important part of our agricultural sector, which is why we continue to support it to diversify trade and mitigate the impact of change as we transition away from live sheep exports by sea.

“This funding will support producers to make their businesses more flexible, efficient and resilient, and will help strengthen Western Australia’s sheep supply chain.

“We will continue working with our sheep industry to ensure Australia’s red meat exports reach record highs.”

Quotes attributable to Western Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

“The Supply Chain Capacity Program grants will enhance business confidence and industry transition readiness, supporting businesses to adapt to structural shifts in the sheep sector, and maintain market access and productivity.

“The WA Government remains committed to supporting a resilient and productive sheep sector and in conjunction with the Australian Government, continues to support industry to capture new market opportunities for sheep meat.

“I’ve recently returned from a trade mission to the Gulf region where buyers indicated that demand for WA sheep meat remains strong, reflecting a long-standing trading relationship that has valued a quality meat product.”