Agribusiness Development

Page last updated: Thursday, 30 January 2025 - 4:11pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Agribusiness Development team works with industry, primary producers and regulators to create a conducive agribusiness environment.

Support for new or expanding agribusiness in Western Australia

Developing new or expanding existing agribusinesses may require approvals and/or licences, which for some can be a daunting once-in-a-lifetime experience.

DPIRD’s Agribusiness Development team can provide regulatory and technical support during this experience. This is available at any point; however, it is recommended that support is sought as early as possible in the planning stages.

Regulatory support

If Works Approvals and/or Licence from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Development Approval is required from a Local Government Authority, or other approvals to construct and operate a facility, Agribusiness Development can support with:

  • Pathways – understanding what approvals are required and what the regulatory process entails.
  • Contacts – points of contact throughout the process.
  • Pre-lodgement – ensuring applications consider all requirements.

Technical advice

Considering the sensitivity of the surrounding environment and related industry standards is essential when siting, designing and operating an agribusiness facility. Agribusiness Development can assist with:

  • Siting – access to infrastructure, separation distances
  • Design – production pens and containment infrastructure, and construction specifications for both
  • Operational – waste management, nutrient budgeting

Key industries

Information on key industries is contained in the links below. If information is required on an industry not listed here, please contact Agribusiness Development at agribusiness@dpird.wa.gov.au

Funding support

Small Scale Abattoir Feasibility Voucher Program

The Small Scale Abattoir Feasibility Voucher Program provides a co-funding opportunity to progress ideas and validate prospective opportunities for the boutique meat processing sector in Western Australia.  The program will make funding available for eligible applicants to seek expert advice and planning from professional consultants.

Vouchers of up to $10,000 with a matched funding contribution will be available to eligible applicants to seek expert advice and planning from professional consultants. The program aims to help analyse and understand some of the feasibility factors around small scale abattoir operations.  

As part of eligibility to apply, applicants will be required to attend a facilitated session with DPIRD before their application can be submitted. Please email the SSAF voucher team on SSAFvouchers@dpird.wa.gov.au to register your interest in attending a facilitated session.

For a full list of eligibility requirements and further information on the grant, please refer to the Program Guidelines and FAQs.

Applications for the voucher are open until the 30th of June 2025 (or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first) and will only be considered when applied for through SmartyGrants

 

Contact

Agribusiness Development can be contacted at agribusiness@dpird.wa.gov.au.