Transition assistance package

Sheep Industry Strategy and Implementation Plan

Funding of $0.8 million to deliver an industry-led, government supported strategy, underpinned by robust economic analysis, that promotes direction, confidence and growth in the national and Western Australian sheep meat and wool industry.

A priority action plan to support industry activities that implement the strategy will also be developed, including research and development priorities and other producer and supply chain needs.

Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) was awarded the grant. 

For more details visit GrantConnect.

The Future Flock

SPA will lead The Future Flock, a national project to set the direction for Australia’s sheep industry, in addition to delivering a WA roadmap.

The Future Flock will bring producers and supply chain operators together to tackle shared challenges and opportunities — developing solutions and shaping the industry’s future.

This project combines national consultation and economic modelling, addressing national and state priorities in parallel while WA-specific insights will tailor a state strategy and action and investment roadmap for Western Australia.

Visit The Future Flock to find out more and sign up to have your say.

WA Roadmap to 2028

As part of The Future Flock, SPA will also work with the Transition Advocate (an independent voice appointed to facilitate two-way communication between industry and government) and the Strategic Steering Group (a panel of industry leaders) to develop a WA roadmap. The WA roadmap has been initiated to guide the development of a medium-long term industry strategy and priority action plan for, and supported by, the state’s sheep and wool sector.

A dedicated ‘Have Your Say’ page is now available, providing all stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute their views on the WA Roadmap. You can share feedback through an online questionnaire or by submitting a written response. Your input is fundamental in shaping the development of the WA Roadmap, ensuring broad engagement across the supply chain.

If you are interested in providing input, please visit the WA Roadmap page.

Implementation Fund

To implement priority actions arising from the industry strategy $5.0 million is available. This could include, for example, grants to support research and development priorities, training and capacity building, industry leadership, or to embed new practices across the supply chain.

Extension Program

$4.0 million to demonstrate and encourage adoption of best practice farming systems to improve farmer knowledge in new farming practices; and assist the sheep industry to transition away from live sheep exports by sea by considering other market opportunities for wool, meat and co-products. The Grower Group Alliance was awarded the grant. Further information is available at the Grower Group Alliance website.

Market Feedback and Forward Contracts Program

To enable increased producer use of existing processor feedback and data tools that support continuous improvement of the sheep flock, $2 million has been allocated for training. This would include developing guidance material and training support for the use of forward contracts through the sheep supply chain.

Enhancing Market Demand Program

The $27.0 million Enhancing Market Demand (EMD) program began in 2024-25 and will run over 4 years to 2027-28. The program is focused on enhancing demand within Australia and internationally for Australian sheep products and supporting diversification opportunities for Australian agri-food businesses that export to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The EMD program is intended to grow the profile of Australian sheep products, aid the diversification of markets for sheep and broader agrifood products to the MENA region, boost confidence in the domestic sheep industry and assist the industry to adjust through transitioning to other opportunities in Australia and overseas.

Shearing Industry Transition Program

The $2.2 million Shearing Industry Transition Program will assist shearing contractors to facilitate a broader range of seasonally complementary agricultural and regional work for their employees in the Western Australian agricultural sector. The WA Shearing Industry Association Inc (WASIA) was awarded the grant.

Financial Counselling Services

The Rural Financial Counselling Service in Western Australia has received $2.4 million to provide additional counselling services in the region.

Community Wellbeing Program

$1.5 million for activities promoting resilience in WA communities affected by the phase out of live sheep exports by sea. Applications closed on 24 July 2025, with Blue Tree Project, Holyoake and Rural Aid awarded grants. This program is being administered by the Western Australian Government.