Victorian Plantations Support Program
The Victorian Plantations Support Program (VPSP) promotes the development of long-rotation hardwood and softwood plantations across Victoria.
Overview
The VPSP provides supplementary funding (up to $1,000 per hectare) to select applications that have been approved to develop plantations in Victoria under Round 3 – Batch 5 onwards of the Commonwealth Government’s Support Plantation Establishment (SPE) program.
By incentivising a greater uptake of the SPE Program, the VPSP will help expand and diversify Victoria's plantation estates to meet local timber needs.
Round 1 of the VPSP will make $2 million available to eligible applicants.
Program objectives
The objectives of the VPSP are to:
- accelerate the establishment of new long rotations in Victoria
- incentivise private investment in the establishment of new long-rotation plantations in Victoria
- increase domestic timber supply for construction and manufacturing purposes
- ensure Victoria continues to meet its objectives under the Water for Victoria plan
- enhance social, environmental, and economic outcomes through job creation, community partnerships and environmental benefits
Who can apply
To be eligible for a VPSP grant, applicants must have a project that is:
- approved under Round 3 – Batch 5 onwards of the SPE program to establish a long-rotation plantation;
- located outside Victoria’s Declared Irrigation Districts
- located in Victoria.
If eligible SPE projects are located across multiple states, only the component of the project located in Victoria will be eligible to receive VPSP funding.
SPE projects are not eligible for the VPSP if they are already receiving funding from another Victorian Government tree-growing program.
Application process
Once a project has been approved under Round 3 – Batch 5 or 6 of the SPE program, applicants may submit a VPSP program application.
Applications are to be submitted online using the Grants Online portal.
To apply, go to Grant Online and click on ‘Start New Application’.
The following documents will be required as part of the application process:
- Outcome Letter from the Commonwealth Government confirming approval under the SPE program to undertake a project
- A copy of the SPE plantation management plan and indicative budget submitted as part of the approved SPE program application
- A completed DEECA budget demonstrating how VPSP grant funding and other financial contributions provided by the grantee will be spent on eligible VPSP activities
- Any other supporting documents
Applicants are encouraged to notify DEECA of their intention to apply for the VPSP. This is not a formal requirement of the application process but may provide for a more expedient assessment of applications when they are received. Notifications can be sent to plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au
Funding details
Applicants are eligible to receive up to a maximum of $1,000 (ex-GST) per hectare for projects located in Victoria.
Approved applicants may receive a total maximum of $200,000 (ex-GST) per eligible SPE project. Applicants cannot divide a single project into multiple applications to circumvent this maximum threshold.
For applicants applying for funding for multiple eligible SPE projects, the total combined project area cannot exceed 500 hectares.
Activities funded under the VPSP include:
- fencing and roading
- activities approved under the SPE - Round 3 Program Guidelines, so long as they are not already being funded under the SPE program.
Key dates
Applications open: 18 August 2025
Applications close: 27 February 2026 (unless fully allocated earlier)
Further information and assistance
For assistance with the application process or to request further information please email plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Frequently asked questions
No, only projects from Round 3 – Batch 5 onwards are eligible for consideration under the VPSP.
No, the provision of funding under VPSP does not make the department a co-contributor to the SPE project.
No, applicants must provide evidence that they have been successful under Round 3 – Batch 5 onwards of the Commonwealth SPE Program.
Applicants are, however, encouraged to notify DEECA on their intention to apply for the VPSP. While this is not a formal requirement it may provide for a more expedient assessment of applications when they are received. Notifications can be sent to plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au
No, you do not advise the Commonwealth Government when you are applying to the VPSP.
You will need to advise the Commonwealth Government if you are successful under the VPSP and demonstrate how the VPSP funds will be spent as part of your regular budget updates under the SPE Program.
Visit Declared Irrigation Districts - Dataset - Victorian Government Data Directory to determine if your project falls within the declared irrigation districts. If you require any assistance please email plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Please email plantationforestry@deeca.vic.gov.au for assistance.
