THE Albanese Government’s first round of funding under its $5 million WA Roadmap Implementation Fund has been criticised by peak Western Australian farmer body WAFarmers.

The Albanese Labor Government this week announced it is continuing to assist sheep farmers through the phase out of live sheep exports by sea with further funding of $2.5 million under the Farm System Productivity Program.

The Farm System Productivity Program is the first grant program delivered under the $5 million WA Roadmap Implementation Fund, and will support priorities identified in the WA Sheep Industry Roadmap to 2028, the government said.

The roadmap is an industry-led strategy to help the Western Australian sheep industry adapt to the legislated end of live sheep exports by sea from 1 May 2028.

The government said the Farm System Productivity Program is also part of the Government’s almost $140 million transition assistance package to help individuals, businesses and communities confidently plan and adapt ahead of the legislated end of live sheep exports.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said Western Australia’s sheep industry has a strong future, and the government is investing to help producers and businesses seize new opportunities.

“The funding opening today through the Farm System Productivity Program will support practical, industry-led projects that improve productivity, profitability and collaboration across the sheep supply chain.

“Through the transition assistance package we are continuing to work closely with industry to deliver practical, targeted support that helps farmers and businesses.”

WAFarmers questions grower benefit from grant funds

WAFarmers chief executive officer Trevor Whittington said the WA Roadmap fails to set clear priorities despite having just $5 million to spend and he queried whether the government should be selecting grant recipients.

“That’s a recipe for spreading the money too thin and delivering a poor return on every taxpayer dollar.”

“The government’s track record throughout this transition, particularly its tendency to divert funding towards national priorities instead of Western Australian priorities, tells growers they are the last people who should be deciding which projects get funded,” he said.

“$5 million, $50 million or even $500 million won’t replace a live export bidder standing in the sale yards.

“The question isn’t whether government is spending money,” Mr Whittington said.

“The question is whether growers will be any better off once it’s gone.”

“Where is the Minister? We rarely see her in Western Australia, yet she’s always happy to announce another funding package,” he said.

“This transition is increasingly being captured by vested interests chasing grants rather than delivering outcomes for sheep producers.”

The government said the Farm System Productivity Program will support projects that deliver broad benefits across the Western Australian sheep industry by:

• improving farm productivity,
• strengthening industry capability,
• increasing profitability,
• encouraging collaboration and
• supporting informed, evidence-based decision-making.

The open competitive grants program is available to not-for-profit organisations and commercial businesses, with grants ranging from $50,000 to $750,000.

Projects funded through the program will help sheep producers and supply chain businesses adapt to changing markets and build a stronger, more productive and sustainable future for the sector.

Applications opened on 22 July and close on 3 September 2026. Successful projects will be delivered over two years, with all grant activities to be completed by 31 May 2028.

More information and the grant opportunity guidelines are available on the Department’s website and GrantConnect.