Regional truck wash upgrade grant program – stage 1 guidelines

Message from the Minister

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.

Regional truck wash and effluent disposal facilities are an important part of our livestock system. They support cleaner and more efficient livestock transport, reduce the risk of disease spread and enable Victoria's readiness for major animal disease emergencies.

Strong biosecurity depends on industry, government and the community working together.

The Victorian Government is delivering the Victorian Regional truck wash upgrade (RTWU) grant program to strengthen our truck wash network by supporting planning for future infrastructure, upgrades to existing facilities and the development of new infrastructure where it is needed most.

The RTWU grant program builds on the work undertaken through the Stage 2 truck wash review and biosecurity risks report which provides an important foundation for considering future actions to strengthen the network and highlighted the importance of partnership across industry, government and infrastructure operators.

The RTWU grant program will commence with a stage 1: expression of interest (EOI). This stage seeks information on regional project opportunities to strengthen the regional truck wash network and deliver long-term benefits for livestock producers, transport operators, regional communities and our broader economy, as well as the scope and readiness of these projects.

The stage 1 process will inform stage 2 of the program, which will involve selected EOI applicants being invited to submit grant funding applications for consideration in early 2027.

Funding of $5.25 million from Victoria’s Cattle Compensation and the Sheep and Goat Compensation Funds is available to support the implementation of stage 2.

I encourage eligible organisations to consider these guidelines and submit an EOI. Together, we can continue to strengthen Victoria's biosecurity preparedness and ensure our livestock industries remain productive, resilient and well positioned for the future.

What is the regional truck wash upgrade grant program?

The RTWU grant program seeks to boost and upgrade the regional truck wash network, providing broad benefits to local government, meat processors, transporters, saleyards, primary producers and truck wash operators across the state. It will help attract investment in new or expanded facilities to grow the network of truck wash facilities, address network capacity issues, and support livestock disease prevention and emergency disease preparedness for Victoria.

The program is a two-stage, competitive process focusing on truck wash facilities that service Victoria’s cattle, sheep and goat industries. Consideration will be given to applications that also enable the provision of truck wash facilities to other rural industries and uses alongside the livestock sector.

Projects will be assessed against value-for-money criteria including the level of co-contribution and it is expected that applicants will provide matching co-contribution (cash and/or kind).

Stage 1: initial expression of interest

This is an initial compulsory step for all interested program applicants.

Stage 1 is a non-monetary expression of interest (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. 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.

Stage 2: detailed application

The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (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.

Program objectives

The objectives of the program are to identify and support planning (stream 1) and capital works (stream 2) 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.

Program long-term outcomes

The long-term outcomes of the program are:

• Address current and future Victorian truck wash network demand pressures through fit-for-purpose facilities and services located in strategic locations.
• Service improvement and utilisation:
  • Victoria is operating an efficient, cost-effective and clean fleet of livestock transport vehicles
  • optimised use of the facilities during peak hours, decreased need for detouring and long-wait times to wash vehicles or to empty effluent tanks
  • increased capacity, improved reliability, greater utilisation and reduced wash times
  • improved options for effluent disposal.
• Improved livestock health outcomes: risk of livestock disease transmission is reduced and managed during transport activities.
• Improved biosecurity outcomes: Victoria effectively manages biosecurity risks associated with livestock transport.
• Improved environmental performance: reduction in pollution risks, improved effluent management and lower water, wastewater and energy utilisation.

Who can apply?

The following organisations can apply for funding:

• private sector organisations operating in Victoria
• local government authorities (priority would be given to facilities located in regional local government authorities in the Gippsland, Hume, Loddon Mallee, Barwon Southwest or the Grampians regions)
• any other organisations agreed by DEECA at its discretion.

In addition, to be eligible for funding applicants must:

• hold a current and valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and three years of trading history
• be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• be an incorporated body, cooperative or association (including business associations)
• be financially solvent.

Who cannot apply?

The following organisations and individuals cannot apply for funding:

• an individual
• a sole trader
• State and Australian Government departments and agencies
• an unincorporated association
• an entity not registered for GST.

What might be funded in stage 2?

Selected applicants from stage 1 will be invited to apply for stage 2 grant funding under either or both of stream 1 and stream 2.

Stream 1

Can be used to facilitate project planning relating tocapital works including, but not limited to:

• assessing the condition, location and suitability of an existing truck wash facility
• needs analysis, feasibility studies and business cases
• preparing upgrade / new development options including capital works budgets and applicant’s proposed co-contribution for each option
• developing technical designs and technical assessment such as environmental impact assessment, civil and engineering studies, zoning and land-use planning analysis
• risk assessment and management plans.

Stream 2

This funding stream will support capital works for facility upgrades or new facility construction including, but are not limited to:

• construction of new fit-for-purpose truck wash facilities and livestock vehicle effluent tank discharge facilities in regions with current and future capability challenges
• construction of additional bays and conversion to drive-through layouts in existing facilities
• facility relocation to better align with contemporary livestock transport routes
• modifications to accommodate larger vehicles in existing facilities
• developing increased water collection, storage, and pump and water pressure capacity to reduce the need for mains water and/or to reduce wash times in existing facilities
• building separate effluent disposal point infrastructure, integrated with current wastewater management
• improvements to environmental performance such as recycled water, reduced water, renewable energy or energy efficiency
• solid waste handling and separation infrastructure in existing facilities
• improved amenities, including change facilities that support gender equity and safer use
• security, safety and lighting upgrades in existing facilities.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding the proposed projects:

• must be consistent with the relevant objectives and long-term outcomes of the program
• must improve the efficiency and biosecurity preparedness of the cattle, sheep and/or goat livestock industry
• must be publicly available to transporters of cattle, sheep and goats (i.e. cannot be exclusively available to a limited segment of the livestock transport sector). Consideration will be given to applications that also enable the provision of truck wash facilities to other rural industries and uses alongside the livestock sector
• for stream 1: must support planning and feasibility for facility upgrades or new infrastructure establishment
• for stream 2: must deliver capital works as part of facility upgrades or development of new facilities
• the facility to be upgraded or newly established must be located within regional Victoria.

What will not be funded?

The program will not fund the following activities:

• purchase of land
• routine or ongoing maintenance activities
• capital works as part of upgrades or new facility developments that have commenced before the announcement of the program
• recurrent operating costs, including staff salaries, administration overheads, office accommodation, utilities, fleet costs, or other day-to-day expenses and/or activities establishing expectations of ongoing funding
• costs of preparing and submitting EOI submission or detailed applications.

What are the funding details?

• Stage 1: EOI. No funding will be awarded for this stage.
• Stage 2: Funding arrangements will be confirmed in stage 2 guidelines to be released in early 2027.
  • Stream 1 – a proposed allocation of $0.5 million will be available for grants under stream 1 to support costs associated with project planning to upgrade a truck wash facility or build a new facility.
  • Stream 2 – funding will be available for capital worksto upgrade existing or establish new facilities for projects that have completed planning stages and are “shovel-ready”.

What are the assessment criteria?

All applications will be assessed by a DEECA appointed assessment panel.

• Stage 1: EOI – the assessment panel will provide their recommendations to DEECA who will make the final decision on extending invitations for applicants to apply for stage 2. Eligible applications will be assessed using the criteria listed below. Each criteria have a percentage weighting indicating its relative importance in the assessment process. Applications should address all relevant criteria.
• Stage 2: detailed application – the assessment panel will recommend projects for funding to the Minister for Agriculture based on assessment criteria that will be released as part of the stage 2 process. The Minister for Agriculture will make the final decision to approve funding to eligible applications.

Stage 1: EOI

What supporting documents will need to be provided?

Stage 1: EOI – applicants are not required to submit any supporting documentation.

Stage 2: detailed application – applicants will be required to supply supporting documents specific to the project as part of their application. Further information will be provided as part of the stage 2 application process.

Examples of supporting documentation that is expected to be required for stage 2 of the process include:

• data on usage of the applicant’s truck wash facility over the past two years, if applying for an upgrade to an existing facility
• industry need in the proposed locality if applying to establish a new facility
• a project implementation plan
• evidence of main budget and cost
• evidence of co-contribution funds
• letters of support or commitment from partners and stakeholders (if applicable)
• relevant approvals and permits as evidence for suitability of side location, zoning and accessibility
• relevant financial information – 3 years of audited financial reports, where the latest financial report is more than six months old, up-to-date management or interim accounts (profit and loss and balance sheet) will be requested (for projects over $50,000), current fees and expected fee schedule once upgrades have occurred.

What are the funding conditions?

Co-contributions

It is expected that applicants will provide matching co-contribution in cash and/or in kind.

The co-contribution may come from the applicant organisation or from other funding sources including sector partners or funding from other industry, Commonwealth or Victorian Government programs.

The value of the land on which the truck wash facility is located cannot be used as co-contribution.

Caretaker Conventions

As the Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026, the Victorian Government will assume a caretaker role from 6.00 pm on 3 November 2026 until such time that either it becomes clear that the incumbent government will be returned, or when a new government is commissioned.

In line with the caretaker conventions, the incoming government will determine whether to proceed with this grant process and award the grants after the caretaker period.

Applicants should be aware that:

• all information about this grant process represents the position of the current government only, and is subject to change
• the incoming government may decide to not proceed with this grant process.

Funding agreements

Successful applicants under stage 2 will need to enter into a funding agreement with DEECA. The Victorian Common Funding Agreement is used for funding agreements to local government. The standard DEECA agreement may be used for funding allocated to private sector organisations.

It is recommended that applicant review the terms and conditions before applying. Information about the Victorian Common Funding Agreement is available on Victorian Common Fundaing Agreement webpage. A copy of the standard DEECA agreement will be provided to private sector organisations upon request.

Legislative and regulatory requirements

In delivering the activity grant recipients are required to comply with all relevant Commonwealth and state/ territory legislations and regulations, including but not limited to:

• The Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)
• The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
• The Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 (Vic).

Fair Jobs Code

The Fair Jobs Code applies to grants awarded under this program valued at $500,000 or more.

Applicants must hold a Pre-Assessment Certificate (Certificate) before applying for the grant.

For further information about the Fair Jobs Code and to apply for a Certificate, go to Fair Jobs Code for Suppliers and Businesses.

Local Jobs First

Local Jobs First (LJF) applies to grants awarded under this program valued at $1 million or more in regional Victoria, or $3 million or more in metropolitan Melbourne or for state-wide activities.

For further information, visit the Local Jobs First website.

Tax implications

Applicants should consult the Australian Taxation Office or seek professional advice on any taxation implications that may arise from this grant funding.

Acknowledging the Victorian Government

Successful applicants will be expected to acknowledge the support from the Victorian Government and the Cattle Compensation Fund and the Sheep and Goat Compensation Fund and comply with the promotional guidelines (available at DEECA Grants) as part of the funding agreement. Successful applicants must liaise with the departmental program area to coordinate any public events or announcements related to the project.

Payments

Payments under stage 2 will be made as long as:

• the funding agreement has been signed by both parties
• grant recipients provide reports as required, or otherwise demonstrate that the activity is progressing as expected
• other terms and conditions of funding continue to be met.

Applicants will need to meet the cost of any ineligible expenditure associated with their project.

Monitoring and reporting

Stage 2 grant recipients are required to comply with project monitoring and reporting requirements as outlined in the funding agreement. This may include progress reports, completion reports and acquittal documentation. All funded projects will be publicly listed in DEECA’s an annual report which is published on DEECA’s website.

Privacy

Any personal information about you or a third party in your application will be collected by the department for the purposes of administering your grant application and informing Members of Parliament of successful applications. Personal information may also be disclosed to external experts, such as members of assessment panels, or other Government Departments for assessment, reporting, advice, comment or for discussion regarding alternative or collaborative grant funding opportunities. If you intend to include personal information about third parties in your application, please ensure that they are aware of the contents of this privacy statement.

Any personal information about you or a third party in your correspondence will be collected, held, managed, used, disclosed or transferred in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and other applicable laws.

DEECA is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information. View the DEECA Privacy Policy online.

Requests for access to information about you held by DEECA should be sent to the Manager Privacy, P.O. Box 500 East Melbourne 8002 or contact by emailing foi.unit@deeca.vic.gov.au.

What is the application process?

Applications are submitted online using the Grants Online portal for both stages.

Stage 1: EOI

All applicants are required to submit their application using the EOI form available online through the DEECA Grants Online portal.

Start a new application

Return to a draft application

Deadline for submission of the EOI is 5:00 PM AEDT on 15 December 2026.

Applicants may seek pre-submission guidance or submit a program enquiry before lodging an EOI by contacting the EAD Preparedness email inbox: ead.preparedness.program@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Stage 2: detailed application

DEECA will invite successful EOI applicants to submit an application under stage 2 for the stream(s) they had expressed interest in and in accordance with the guidelines that will be released as part of stage 2.

An invitation to submit an application under stage 2 does not guarantee that funding will be allocated.

Due diligence checks

Applicants may be subject to due diligence checks to enable the department to assess financial and other non-financial risks associated with the application. Such checks may include:

• the potential for reputational risk to the State
• the risk profile, financial viability and management capacity of the applicant over the duration of the proposed activity
• whether the proposal has received funding through other means
• the delivery performance of other grants contracted with the Victorian Government and whether the applicant has failed to meet key contractual obligations.

Outcomes from such assessments may be considered in any decision to recommend or award a grant and in contracting with successful applicants.

The department may, at any time, remove an applicant from the application and assessment process, if in the department’s opinion, association with the applicant may bring the department, a minister or the State of Victoria into disrepute.

Additional information

Additional information is available at Regional truck wash upgrade grants program.

What is the notification process?

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing after the assessment process is completed. All decisions are final and are not subject to further review. Unsuccessful applicants can ask for feedback on their application.

Key dates

Checklist

Read these guidelines and the information about this grant program at Regional truck wash upgrade grant program before applying and complete the following checklist:

Have you:

• read these guidelines carefully?
• checked if you are, or your organisation is eligible under this program?
• checked if your activity is eligible for this program?
• checked that you would be able to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in delivery of your activity?