Regional truck wash upgrade grants program
Victoria's livestock industry supports regional jobs, drives economic growth and produces high-quality food and fibre that communities rely on.
Protecting that industry is a shared responsibility.
Apply now
The Regional Truck Wash Upgrade (RTWU) grants program is now open for expressions of interest by 5 pm on 15 December 2026.
Supported by the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, the RTWU grant program focuses on improving truck wash infrastructure and effluent disposal services for cattle, sheep and goat transporters and industry.
It aims to:
- facilitate the modernisation of the existing truck wash and effluent discharge network in regional Victoria by improving truck wash capacity, effluent disposal options, operation, safety, amenity, and accessibility of the facilities
- attract and maximise investment in new or expanded facilities to enable a sustained network of truck wash facilities in Victoria
- support livestock disease prevention, emergency disease preparedness and response and environmental compliance.
The program follows recent analysis outlined in the Stage 2 truck wash review and biosecurity risks report, which can be found on the Truck wash and effluent disposal facilities review page.
For a full list of program objectives and expected outcomes read the program guidelines 
[MS Word Document - 3.8 MB].
What is the application process?
The RTWU grant program has 2 application stages.
- Stage 1: expression of interest
- Stage 2: detailed application
Stage 1: expression of interest
The RTWU grant program is now open for expressions of interest (EOI). Please submit your application by 5 pm on 15 December 2026.
Stage 1 is an initial compulsory step for all interested program applicants.
Stage 1 is a non-monetary EOI process designed to understand the range, scope and readiness of projects with the potential to strengthen the regional truck wash network.
Information gathered from stage 1 will inform the final design of stage 2, including information on project location, scope, cost, funding arrangements and readiness.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) may contact applicants for further information during the EOI assessment process.
The EOI process will commence on 29 October 2026 and close on 15 December 2026.
Selected applicants from stage 1 will be invited to apply for grant funding under stage 2.
Agriculture Victoria will use the expression of interest to check whether:
- the applicant meets the eligibility requirements
- the project supports the program’s objectives and expected outcomes
- the project is suitable for one of the program’s funding streams under stage 2.
No funding is provided during stage 1.
Only successful applicants during stage 1 will be invited to submit a detailed application for funding under stage 2.
Stage 2: detailed application
DEECA will finalise guidelines for stage 2 following the completion of the stage 1 EOI process.
Stage 2 grant applications would be invited in early 2027 to apply for funding under two streams:
- Stream 1: project planning – for activities such as feasibility, business case development, design, costings, approvals pathway and other planning work required to progress a future infrastructure proposal. It is proposed to limit this stream to around $0.5 million to maximise available funding for capital works under stream 2.
- Stream 2: infrastructure development – grants for facility upgrades or new facility capital works that are sufficiently scoped and ready to proceed, subject to assessment and approval.
DEECA retains the right to contact applicants of both stage 1 and stage 2 of the grant program to obtain further information, inclusive of site visits, as necessary.
Stage 2 application process, including funding details, will be confirmed via the updated guidelines once the expression of interest process is finalised.
Only applicants invited by Agriculture Victoria can participate in stage 2.
Table 1: An overview of application stages and key dates
| Application stage | Who can apply | Funding available | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: expression of interest | All applicants | No funding provided | 5 pm AEDT on 15 December 2026 |
| Stage 2: detailed application | Applicants invited after stage 1 | Will be confirmed for both streams once stage 1 is finalised | Will be confirmed once stage 1 is finalised |
Who can express their interest in the program?
The following organisations can apply:
- private sector organisations that operate in Victoria
- local government authorities (priority would be given to facilities located in regional local government authorities in the in Gippsland, Hume, Loddon Mallee, Barwon South West or the Grampians regions)
- other organisations approved by Agriculture Victoria.
Applicants should also:
- have a current Australian Business Number (ABN)
- have traded for at least 3 years
- be registered for the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- be an incorporated body, cooperative or association
- be financially solvent.
Where can I find more information?
The current program guidelines [MS Word Document - 3.8 MB] provide more information on stage 1 process including:
- program’s objectives and expected outcomes
- activities that will be considered under the program
- key dates for stage 1.
Information gathered from stage 1 will inform the final design of stage 2 guidelines, including funding scope and arrangements, key dates and funding conditions.
Contact us
For help submitting the expression of interest via the portal, email grantsinfo@deeca.vic.gov.au
For questions about the program guidelines, email ead.preparedness.program@agriculture.vic.gov.au