VIC Timber Innovation Grants Program

Program Overview:

Victorian Timber Innovation Grants Program helps native timber industry businesses affected by the cessation of commercial native timber harvesting in State forests. The program is part of the Forestry Transition Program. It assists businesses in diversifying, innovating, and transitioning into other industry sectors. It also aims to create and retain sustainable jobs in affected communities.

Round 3 focuses on helping existing native timber businesses to:

• Diversify operations and develop new business models.
• Retain existing jobs and create new sustainable employment opportunities.
• Stimulate local economies in regions affected by the native forestry transition.

Co-contribution:

• If jobs are created or retained, no cash co-contribution is required for projects up to $250,000.
• For projects over $250,000, a 1:1 cash co-contribution is necessary for those exceeding $250,000.
• In-kind contributions may be considered.

Eligible Activities:

Funding supports projects that:

• Develop, implement, or design new processes, products, or innovations.
• Acquire mobile or fixed plant equipment, including trailers.
• Modify or retool existing equipment.
• Invest in new product streams and technologies.
• Conduct feasibility studies (government contribution capped at $100,000).
• Engage consultants or research experts for support during the transition.
• Other activities are aligned with program objectives that foster local job creation and economic growth.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss project eligibility with Forestry Transition representatives before applying.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must:

• Conduct business operations in Victoria.
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Comply with industrial relations obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

Hold or have held one of the following valid as of 1 January 2023:

• • Timber Sale Agreement, Forest Produce Licence, or Forest Produce Agreement issued by VicForests.

• • Timber harvest or haulage contract with VicForests.

Alternatively, be

• • A haulage subcontractor was contracted on 1 July 2020, and at least 30% of revenue was derived from such contracts.

• • A truck operator has been transporting hardwood woodchips or residues since 1 July 2020, with at least 30% revenue from this activity.

• • A road contractor engaged in roadworks related to hardwood log haulage with at least 30% revenue from this work.

• • A seed collector or forest-based business with at least 30% revenue from VicForests contracts.

Assessment Criteria:

Applications are assessed competitively based on the following:

• Value for money and alignment with program objectives.
• Contribution to transitioning away from native timber dependency.
• Support for local employment and economic benefits.
• Number of sustainable jobs created or retained relative to funding requested.
• Applicant’s capability to successfully deliver the project.
• Level of cash co-contribution.

Additional Information:

VIC Timber Innovation Grants Program also offers a Grant Application Assistance Service. This service provides vouchers for up to $7,500. These vouchers help access registered service providers who prepare strong grant submissions. Visit the official grant website for more information.

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.