02 Feb 2026
Posted by: Emmalene Dowell
Farm Drought Support Grants in Victoria

Funding Water & Spraying Equipment for On-Farm Resilience

Drought conditions continue to impact farming operations across Victoria, placing pressure on water availability, pasture management, and livestock productivity. To support primary producers, the Victorian Government offers a range of Victorian drought assistance programs, including Farm Drought Support Grants, aimed at improving long-term drought resilience through practical on-farm infrastructure.

This guide explains how Drought Support Victoria programs work, what funding can be used for, and how farmers can apply rural finance drought grants toward essential water and spraying equipment.

What Are Farm Drought Support Grants in Victoria?

Farm Drought Support Grants are part of Victoria’s broader drought support framework and are administered through Rural Finance. These rural finance drought grants help eligible primary producers invest in permanent infrastructure that strengthens drought preparedness.

Under the Victorian program:

  • Eligible farmers may receive up to $5,000, or up to $10,000 in selected south-west Victorian local government areas

  • Funding is provided on a dollar-for-dollar co-contribution basis

  • Grants focus on long-term infrastructure improvements, rather than short-term operating expenses

These grants form a key part of Victorian drought assistance, helping farms remain viable during extended dry periods.

What Can Victorian Drought Grants Be Used For?

Farmers accessing Drought Support Victoria funding can typically use grants for infrastructure projects that improve water security and drought resilience, including:

  • Water storage, pumping, and distribution systems

  • Stock watering and water transfer infrastructure

  • Irrigation upgrades and efficiency improvements

  • Pasture management and soil improvement activities

  • Infrastructure supporting feed and livestock management

This makes drought grants highly relevant for investments in water movement, pumping, and spraying equipment that deliver long-term benefits.

Get the form here

Using Drought Relief Victoria Grants for Water Management Equipment

Effective water management is one of the most important factors in drought preparedness. Many Victorian farmers use Drought Relief Victoria funding to upgrade systems that help them:

  • Transfer water between dams, tanks, and troughs

  • Improve reliability of stock watering systems

  • Apply water, fertiliser, or soil treatments efficiently

  • Reduce water loss and improve coverage across paddocks

Pumps, trailer-mounted water systems, and spray units are often included in compliant drought infrastructure projects when they contribute to improved drought resilience.

Drought with a water trailer

How Rapid Spray Equipment Aligns with Victorian Drought Assistance

As an Australian manufacturer, Rapid Spray supplies water and spraying solutions that align closely with the objectives of Victorian drought assistance programs.

Rapid Spray equipment is commonly used in drought preparedness projects, including:

Water Transfer and Pumping Systems

Pump solutions designed to move water efficiently across farms support stock watering, tank filling, and emergency water planning.

Trailer and Ute-Mounted Spray Units

Spray equipment can assist with:

  • Pasture renovation following dry conditions

  • Application of soil conditioners and fertilisers

  • Dust suppression around yards and access roads

  • Weed control to reduce competition for limited moisture

Farm-Specific Equipment Configurations

Grant applications are often stronger when infrastructure directly addresses drought risk. Custom-configured spray and pump systems can be matched to property size, livestock numbers, and water sources.

In many cases, rural finance drought grants can be used to partially fund these investments, with the remaining cost covered as the required co-contribution.

How to Apply for Farm Drought Support Grants in Victoria

While eligibility criteria apply, most Victorian applications follow a similar process:

  1. Confirm eligibility as a Victorian primary producer

  2. Identify the drought infrastructure project you want to fund

  3. Obtain itemised quotes for eligible equipment

  4. Prepare required documentation such as ABN details and proof of farming activity

  5. Submit your application through Rural Finance before funding closes

Well-defined infrastructure projects and clear equipment quotes can help improve approval outcomes.

Getting Equipment Quotes for Victorian Drought Grant Applications

Most Drought Support Victoria applications require formal, itemised quotes. Choosing equipment that clearly improves water security and drought resilience strengthens both the application and the long-term value of the investment.

Rapid Spray works with Victorian farmers to provide:

  • Itemised quotes suitable for grant submissions

  • Guidance on equipment selection aligned with drought grant objectives

  • Australian-made equipment designed for durability and reliability

Is Victoria in Drought?

Parts of Victoria regularly experience rainfall deficiencies, dry soil profiles, and reduced water storage levels, particularly across regional and rural areas. Seasonal variability, combined with longer-term climate trends, means drought conditions can develop quickly and persist for extended periods.

As a result, Drought Relief Victoria initiatives are often activated to help farmers manage reduced water availability and maintain productivity. These support measures are designed not only to assist during active drought periods but also to help farmers prepare for future dry conditions through improved infrastructure and water efficiency.

Final Thoughts on Drought Support in Victoria

With drought conditions continuing to affect parts of the state, Victorian drought assistance programs provide an important opportunity for farmers to invest in infrastructure that improves water security and long-term resilience. By combining Drought Relief Victoria funding with reliable water and spraying equipment, farmers can better manage dry conditions and protect future productivity.

For farmers applying for rural finance drought grants and seeking quotes or advice on water management or spraying equipment, working with an experienced Australian manufacturer can help ensure the investment delivers lasting value.

SHARE
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE!
*Made from Australian and Imported Componentry