Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program VIC

Purpose and Program Overview

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program VIC provides funding for projects that prevent, monitor, and control animal diseases across Victoria’s livestock industries, including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and honeybees. It aims to address biosecurity risks, improve preparedness, and deliver measurable benefits to the sector through targeted initiatives that strengthen disease prevention, surveillance, and monitoring.​

The program offers access to a total estimated funding pool of $15.2 million to support livestock biosecurity initiatives across Victoria. It operates through four industry-specific funds and supports projects that enhance animal health, safeguard market access, and contribute to the long-term resilience of Victoria’s livestock industries.​

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Funding amounts vary; access to a total estimated funding pool of $15.2 million is for livestock biosecurity initiatives.​​
• Application open date: Tuesday, 3 March 2026.​​
• Application close date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026 (11:59 pm).​​
• Eligible industries or business types: Victorian livestock industries and organisations linked to cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and honeybees.
• Required co-contributions: Co‑contributions are not mandatory, but cash or in‑kind support is encouraged and may strengthen applications.
• Location/state/territory: Victoria only; funded activities must be delivered in Victoria.

Priority Sectors

• Cattle industry.​
• Sheep and goat industries.​
• Swine industry.​
• Honey bee industry.​

These are the priority sectors, and projects must clearly benefit at least one of these Victorian livestock industries.

Funding Scope

• Total pool: Approximately $15.2 million is available to support livestock biosecurity initiatives in Victoria.​​
• Streams/funds:
  • Cattle Compensation Fund
  • Sheep and Goat Compensation Fund
  • Swine Compensation Fund
  • Honey Bee Compensation Industry Development Fund
• Minimum and maximum per project: No fixed minimum or maximum; grant size depends on project scope, fund availability, and assessment outcomes.
• Project duration: Projects are generally expected to be time‑limited, with defined milestones and completion dates, typically up to several years depending on complexity and funding agreements.​

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must generally meet the following core requirements:​

• Be a Victorian organisation such as:
  • Businesses with a valid ABN delivering livestock biosecurity projects in Victoria
  • Universities or research institutions addressing livestock disease risks
  • Cooperatives aligned with livestock biosecurity objectives
  • Industry bodies, associations, or other incorporated entities
• Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Conduct the proposed activities in Victoria and deliver clear benefits to Victorian livestock industries.
• Meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards.
• Agree to participate in any future program evaluation and reporting as required by Agriculture Victoria.

No specific turnover threshold is stated, but applicants must be financially viable and capable of delivering the project.​

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The program supports projects that strengthen livestock disease prevention, early detection, and monitoring across the priority industries. Examples include:​

• Biosecurity initiatives that address priority disease risks, improve preparedness, and enhance surveillance and traceability.
• Research, trials, and applied R&D that generate practical tools, protocols, or systems for livestock disease management.
• Training, extension, and capability‑building activities for producers, service providers, and industry organisations.
• Collaboration projects across the value chain that deliver industry‑wide biosecurity improvements.
• Communication and adoption activities that support the uptake of improved biosecurity practices.

Routine operational costs, major capital works, and activities outside Victoria are generally not eligible unless clearly justified under the guidelines.​

Assessment Process

The program is competitive; not all eligible applications will be funded. Applications are assessed against published criteria and considered by expert advisory committees before recommendations are made to the Minister for Agriculture.

Assessment typically considers:​

• Project merit and need, including the significance of the biosecurity issue and the proposed solution.
• Strategic alignment with the objectives of the relevant livestock fund and Victorian biosecurity priorities.
• Value for money, including budget realism, leverage of other funding, and industry‑wide benefits.
• Capability, governance, and risk management, including the applicant’s experience and delivery plan.

Recent Program Updates

The 2026 round opened on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 and closes on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, providing a defined window for applications. The Victorian Government has indicated a total estimated funding pool of $15.2 million for this round to support livestock biosecurity initiatives across key livestock sectors.​

Recent communications and fact sheets emphasise targeted investment in projects that strengthen disease prevention, monitoring, preparedness, and measurable biosecurity improvements for Victorian livestock industries.

Application Tips

• Review the official guidelines and any “statement of strategic intent” or priorities for each livestock fund before scoping a project.​
• Confirm eligibility early: check organisational status, ABN, Victorian activity location, and industrial relations compliance.
• Prepare key documents in advance, including a clear project plan, budget, milestones, risk assessment, and evidence of capability or partnerships.​
• Demonstrate alignment with Victorian livestock biosecurity priorities, including how the project will prevent, monitor, or control disease and benefit specific industries.
• Clearly outline expected outcomes, adoption pathways, and how benefits will be measured and reported.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program VIC and other associated Australian government websites.