VIC Distillery Door Program: Safety Upgrade Rebates

Purpose and Program Overview

VIC Distillery Door Program: Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate Program aims to enhance safety standards within Victorian distilleries by providing financial rebates for investments in essential equipment and infrastructure. The program supports distillers of alcoholic beverages in improving workplace safety, complying with regulations, and adopting best practices related to hazardous areas and the management of dangerous goods.

This initiative also contributes to broader economic objectives by fostering skills development, expanding tourism opportunities, and facilitating business growth and export development within the Victorian distillery sector. By supporting these safety-related upgrades, the program promotes professional and strategic employment and economic opportunities.

While the total funding pool is not explicitly stated, the program offers rebates of up to 70% or 80% of eligible expenditures, capped at $50,000 per applicant, reflecting a significant investment in industry safety improvements.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Rebate of up to 70% or 80% of eligible expenditure, capped at $50,000 (GST exclusive)
• Application period: Open until 30 June 2025
• Eligible industries: Distilleries producing alcoholic beverages in Victoria
• Co-contribution: Minimum 20% or 30% cash co-contribution required
• Location: Victoria, Australia

Priority Sectors

The rebate program explicitly targets the alcoholic beverage distilling sector within Victoria. It is not open to other industries outside this focus.

Funding Scope

• Rebate structure: Up to 70% or 80% of eligible costs, whichever is lesser, up to $50,000 maximum
• Eligible activities: Hazardous Area Assessments, Dangerous Goods Audits, purchase and installation of safety equipment and infrastructure, and tailored training related to safe equipment operation
• Project timeline: Eligible expenses must be incurred between 1 April 2023 and the application closing date (30 June 2025)

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a legal entity registered as a business in Victoria with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Possess at least one still with a capacity of 50 litres or more
• Hold an active ATO Manufacturer’s Licence for distilled alcoholic beverages
• Hold a valid Victorian General or Producer’s Liquor Licence issued by Liquor Control Victoria
• Have completed a Hazardous Area Assessment, Dangerous Goods Audit, OHS Essentials Program assessment, or Worksafe dangerous goods inspector evaluation between 1 April 2023 and the closing date
• Able to meet the required cash co-contribution (minimum 20% or 30%)
• Agree to participate in program evaluation activities
• Comply with employer responsibilities under the National Employment Standards and relevant industrial awards

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Costs associated with conducting Hazardous Area Assessments or Dangerous Goods Audits
• Purchase and installation of equipment and infrastructure recommended by relevant safety assessments or inspections
• External training tailored to technology ensures the safe operation of equipment
• All installations must comply with Australian Standards, manufacturer instructions, and relevant legislation, using licensed tradespeople where required

Assessment Process

• The program operates on an entitlement basis; applications meeting eligibility criteria are approved
• Assessment focuses on verifying compliance with eligibility requirements and supporting documentation
• There is no competitive scoring; funding is provided based on meeting all requirements and submission of required evidence

Recent Program Updates

• Applications remain open until 30 June 2025
• Eligible expenses must be incurred from 1 April 2023 onwards
• Updated documentation requirements include statutory declarations and detailed invoices
• Emphasis on adherence to Australian Standards and regulatory compliance for funded activities

Application Tips

• Carefully verify all eligibility criteria before the application
• Prepare and organise all required documents, including licences, assessments, invoices, and statutory declarations
• Ensure all expenses claimed were incurred within the eligible timeframe
• Confirm co-contribution availability and document accordingly
• Engage an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group, to assist with application preparation and submission

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist, such as Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your business’s eligibility and evaluate how well your project aligns with the grant’s objectives. You can also visit relevant government websites for application templates and further guidance.