Funding backs good jobs in Queensland's sheep and goat industries

23 February 2023

Funding backs good jobs in Queensland's sheep and goat industries

• More than $1.8m in grants to sheep and goat businesses
• Up to 77 new good jobs created
• New round of grants open for applications

Ten sheep and goat enterprises across rural and regional Queensland will receive just over $1.8 million in funding, creating up to 77 good jobs.

Under the Palaszczuk Government’s Rural Agricultural Development (RAD) Grants, funding of up to $200,000 will support projects that will create good jobs relating to the sale and value of products or materials derived from sheep or goats.

Successful applicants are located across 10 local government areas including Balonne, Blackall, Central Highlands, Goondiwindi, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie, Richmond, Southern Downs and Western Downs.

Activities funded under the program include adopting on-farm technology or improving the efficiency of an operation through infrastructure upgrades.

The Palaszczuk Government’s RAD Grants program will provide $4 million over two rounds of the program to fund ‘shovel-ready’ projects that create jobs for the sheep and goat industry and provide significant economic benefits to rural and regional communities.

Round Two of the RAD Grants program is now open for expressions of interest.

For more information visit the RAD Grants webpage or phone QRIDA on 1800 623 946.

QRIDA administers the Rural Agricultural Development (sheep and goats) Grant Scheme on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“These shovel-ready projects will create economic and employment development in rural and regional Queensland and support growth within Queensland’s sheep and goat meat supply, processing and value chains," Mr Furner said.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to cluster fencing has played a key role in revitalising the sheep and goat industries and these grants will help businesses and local communities to reap the benefits.”

“It is anticipated that with round one projects underway approximately 77 new good jobs will be created.”

“Projects from round one are expected to create approximately 40 jobs during the short term, 37 direct jobs after project completion in the long term.”

“The successful projects focus on adopting on-farm technology like automated feeders, weighing systems, low-stress stock handling equipment and feed mixers and also improving on-farm infrastructure including constructing yards, feedlots, internal fencing, grain storage, meat processing equipment and more.”