Objectives
The Program will support Victorian forestry businesses to:
- explore, test or deliver new or innovative business models; or
- diversify and reorientate core business activities into alternative industry sectors.
Funding through Round 3 of the Program will be awarded based on an assessment of the application’s value for money and the capability of the applicant to complete the project.
Round 3 of the Program has an expression of interest stage and an application stage, and includes assistance for applicants to prepare their application.
Funding details
The Victorian Timber Innovation Grants Program will provide grants up to $1 million.
In determining the amount provided by the Government, the following will be considered:
- Project alignment with the Program’s objectives, particularly the creation and the retention of jobs in Victorian communities impacted by the native timber transition.
- The co-contribution amount to be made by the applicant.
- Previous funding received by the applicant from the Forestry Transition Program, including earlier rounds of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund, and the status of funded projects.
- The project will provide value for money by generating broader public good, particularly building local economies, and creating new or retaining existing employment opportunities.
Grants over $1 million may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Co-contribution requirements
A cash co-contribution is not a requirement for projects with a total value of up to $250,000 where jobs will be retained or created.
For projects with a total value of over $250,000, a minimum 1:1 cash co-contribution will be required by the applicant for every dollar over $250,000. Sources of cash co-contribution must be disclosed in the application. The purchase of land will not be considered a co-contribution.
Further information can be found in the program guidelines.
Who can apply
Businesses that meet the following criteria can apply for a Victorian Timber Innovation Grant:
- have or had a Timber Sale Agreement, Forest Produce Licence or Forest Produce Agreement issued by VicForests that was current as of 1 January 2023
- have or had a timber harvest/haulage contract with VicForests that was current as of 1 January 2023
- are a haulage sub-contractor contracted since 1 July 2020 to a business with a current VicForests harvest and/or haulage contract, and derived at least 30% of annual revenue from that contract based on an average of the last 5 financial years
- are a road contractor who has had a contract since 1 July 2020 to a business with a harvest/ haulage contract with VicForests that was current at 1 July 2023, and had at least 30% of annual revenue derived from road construction or maintenance operations on the road network used for hardwood log haulage based on an average of the last 5 financial years
- are a road contractor who has had a contract with VicForests since 1 July 2020, and had at least 30% of annual revenue derived from road construction or maintenance operations on the road network used for hardwood log haulage based on an average of the last 5 financial years
- are a seed collector who has at least 30% of annual revenue from the VicForests contract, based on an average of the last 5 financial years
- are a business undertaking forest-based activities which has had at least 30% of annual revenue derived from a VicForests contract based on an average of the last 5 financial years.
They also must:
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- conduct business operations within Victoria
- meet all the industrial relations obligations as an employer under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) National Employment Standards.
Application preparation
Applicants are advised to read the program guidelines before contacting a Forestry Transition Representative to discuss their project. If needed they can seek assistance at this point from a Registered Service Provider to help prepare their application and business project plan.
The Registered Service Provider will complete an expression of interest (EOI) and/or a grant application on behalf of the business.
When ready, an EOI can be submitted through the VTIF website. The business will receive an EOI outcome and a link to the application form via email if successful. The business then needs to lodge and application online before the program closing date.
The Department will then assess and recommend applications to the Minister for funding. The business will be notified of the outcome and if successful, they will receive a Letter of Offer. Applicants who are successful then respond by either accepting or rejecting the Letter of Offer.
The Department will then issue a grant agreement and the applicant returns the signed agreement to the Department. The Department countersigns and executes the agreement. The project commences and payments are made on evidence of the project milestones being met and completed.
Grant Application Assistance Service
A Grant Application Assistance Service is being set up to help businesses apply for Round 3 of the Timber Innovation Grants.
The service will allow applicants to engage a Registered Service Provider to undertake project planning to assist with preparing and submitting an expression of interest and/or application to the Timber Innovation Fund – Round 3 on behalf of the business.
The Grant Application Assistance Service of the Timber Innovation Fund – Round 3 will be delivered as a voucher program.
A voucher can be applied for as part of the Expression of Interest process when the EOI is submitted by a Registered Service Provider on behalf of businesses.
The Grant Application Assistance Service is an optional component of the Timber Innovation Fund, for any eligible business who requires assistance to submit an Expression of Interest and/or an Application to the program.
This page will be updated with provider details and businesses notified.
How to apply
Submit a Timber Innovation Fund Expression of Interest
Apply to be a Grant Assistance Service Registered Service Provider
Key dates
- Grants open: 31 May 2024
- Grants close: 30 June 2025
