Livestock Transport Industry Transition Program Round 2 (Australia)

The program focuses on supporting business transition away from live sheep exports by sea through planning, professional and technical advice, accredited training, co-funded investment in transport assets, infrastructure improvements, digital and compliance systems enhancements, safety improvements, and other reasonable activities identified in a livestock transport business plan that facilitate transition to alternative transport operations.

Funding of up to $40,000 (GST exclusive) is available per applicant. The grant can cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs, with applicants required to provide a matched cash contribution on a 1:1 basis. In-kind contributions are not eligible toward the matched funding requirement. Activities are expected to commence around November 2026 and must be completed by 31 May 2027.

Eligible expenditure may include engaging qualified financial, business planning, or technical consultants, participating in accredited or industry-recognised training programs, retrofitting or upgrading existing sheep livestock trailers, trucks, or equipment, acquiring specialised transport trailers, improving depot infrastructure and operational systems, enhancing digital, traceability, compliance, and safety technologies, and undertaking other relevant activities that support business transition objectives.

Eligible applicants include companies, cooperatives, incorporated associations, Indigenous corporations, partnerships, individuals and sole traders. Applicants must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN), be registered for GST, operate and pay tax in Australia, maintain an Australian financial institution account, and have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement with the Australian Government.

For more information, visit Avant Group.