Funding Opportunities

Regional and rural Victorian councils can take advantage of many funding opportunities to help implement actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across council operations and the communities they serve.  

Current funding opportunities include:

• Cities for Climate Protection
  
• Human Resources
• Buildings
• Sustainable Transport/Fleet
• Waste
• Commercial/Industrial
• Infrastructure
• Rural Environmental Grants

The Community Regional Industry Skills Program aims to meet specific skills shortages or fill specific positions, such as a program officer to roll out greenhouse, water and environmental programs.

The Solar Hot Water Rebate encourages the uptake of solar hot water systems in council and community buildings, and business, residential and farming sectors.

The Solar Innovation Initiative (up to $100,000) and the Photovoltaic rebate program (up to $4000) supports solar technologies and techniques in schools and community buildings.

The Commercial Office Building Energy Innovation Initiative encourages the use of sustainable energy design in new buildings, major refurbishment, tenancy fit outs and building services upgrades.

Pathways supports infrastructure works to develop rail trails, pathways and walking track projects. These projects can be used to encourage the community and tourists to walk or cycle around areas of interest within the municipality

The TravelSmart Local Government Grants Program promotes behaviour change and encourages the use of alternative modes of transport to the private vehicle.

The Alternative Fuels Conversion Program encourages owners of heavy commercial vehicles and buses (>3.5 t GVM) to convert to Natural Gas (NG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The LPG Vehicle Scheme encourages the conversion to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in new or used vehicles or factory-fitted LPG-dedicated vehicles, for private use only.

Waste Municipal Infrastructure Investment Grant encourages the installation of technology to help increase the recovery and recycling of materials from municipal or household sectors.

Business Energy Innovation Initiative provides financial support for Victorian businesses that invest in in new and innovative energy efficient solutions, or in solutions that combine energy efficiency with other sustainable business practices such as water conservation, cleaner production and waste and emissions reduction.

The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund supports capital works that enhance the development of rural and regional Victoria.

The Small Town Development Fund supports the development of economic and social infrastructure in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents.

The Renewable Energy Support Fund provides up to 20% of the capital cost of projects that demonstrate innovation and can help develop renewable technologies in Victoria.