Round 1 – Wheatbelt groundwater exploration
Round 1 is part of a research and development project to refine geophysical exploration methods for accurately locating water in bedrock aquifers (to depths of approximately 100 metres). This will help reduce drilling risks and costs for farmers in the future.
Overview
Previous research used state exploration data and targeted geophysics (high-resolution magnetics) to identify drill targets in the bedrock. Drilling and testing yielded better results than any previous program, finding water at half of the sites where the geology was accurately mapped.
The research team now aims to further test, validate and advance this magnetic method used for targeting bedrock aquifers by partnering with farmers, who are already planning to drill for water, to test and refine groundwater exploration tools, and monitor the drill holes installed to depths of approximately 100 metres.
About the program
This voucher program is designed for Wheatbelt farmers in Western Australia who are already planning to drill for groundwater and want to know where to drill to target a bedrock aquifer.
Applicants will be expected to:
- Cover the costs of drilling and undertake drilling prior to May 2027.
- Work collaboratively with the WaterSmart Farms team.
- Allow access to their properties for surveys and monitoring.
Both financial and practical support will be available:
- Up to 50 vouchers valued at up to $10,000 (excluding GST) for eligible ground-based geophysical surveys.
- A maximum of 2 drill incentive vouchers of $5,000 (excluding GST) each for applicants who drill at sites informed by the geophysics.
The maximum cash value of vouchers that can be issued via a successful application is $20,000 (excluding GST).
Successful applicants will also receive:
- A geophysical survey of their property using the WaterSmart Farms-developed methodology.
- Drill location coordinates and instruction notes for the driller.
- Access to expert advice from researchers and hydrogeologists.
Those taking part in the voucher program will also be contributing to research that delivers long-term benefits for the wider farming community.
Applicants must:
- Be the landowner (or have legal rights to access, explore and drill on the land).
- Have an intent to drill for water before May 2027.
- Business type must be a Primary Producer as defined in the grant guidelines or a Local Government Authority.
- Must be located within the Wheatbelt groundwater exploration eligibility area view on online map
You will be required to upload a completed Farm Water questionnaire.
In preparing to apply you should:
- Read the Program guidelines
- Download, complete and save the Farm Water questionnaire.
- Collate any supporting documents, maps and files, ready for upload.
If applying for more than one property, you will need to submit multiple applications.
Program guidelines and documents
-
WaterSmart Farms voucher program guidelinespdf (598 KB)
-
Farm water questionnairedocx (3.31 MB)
Applications open 7 March 2026
Follow the instructions above to apply for the voucher program.
ApplyContact us
-
WaterSmart Farms