Trees for Farms Grants

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The Trees for Farms Grants Program is Council's newest grant opportunity that provides funding to farmers and other relevant groups to support native tree planting on commercial properties, which must:

  • Be used for commercial primary production farming activities
  • Be located within the Farming Zone (FZ)
  • Be greater than 5 hectares in size

The program aims to strengthen sustainable and efficient farm production while delivering environmental benefits such as land rehabilitation, enhanced biodiversity, improved soil and air quality, and increased carbon sequestration.

What can be funded?

  • Purchase of tubestock of native shrubs and tree species as selected by the applicant.
  • Purchase of guards and stakes to protect plants during establishment.
  • Contracted works for labour associated with site preparation and planting.

 

Grant Amounts

Grants up to $3,000 maximum.

All grants require a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution which may be cash and/or in-kind.

Contact Us

Visit: 2–6 Rae Street, Colac
Email: inq@colacotway.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 5232 9400

 

Guidelines

Guidelines - Trees for Farms 2026/27

Click to view Guidelines-Trees-for-Farms-Grants-2026-2027_1.pdf(PDF, 371KB)

Why You Should Read the Grant Guidelines

1. To know if you’re eligible

Guidelines explain who can apply, what types of projects are supported, and any property or organisational requirements. This helps you avoid spending time on an application that can’t be funded.

2. To understand what funding can (and can’t) be used for

They outline eligible and ineligible expenses, funding caps, and any mandatory project components.

3. To make sure your application is strong

Guidelines detail:

  • assessment criteria
  • what evidence or documents you need
  • how applications are scored or prioritised

Knowing this lets you tailor your application effectively.

4. To be aware of compliance requirements

This includes:

  • Acquittal reporting obligations
  • Payment conditions
  • Landowner consent
  • Permits and Approvals
  • Timelines and milestones
  • Responsibilities once funded

Reading them upfront reduces surprises later.

5. To avoid delays or rejection

Missing required information, forms, approvals, or deadlines often results in applications being deemed incomplete or ineligible.

6. To understand your responsibilities

If successful, you’ll need to meet certain conditions. Understanding these early ensures you can actually deliver what the grant requires.

 

To Apply

Applications open at 9.00am on Friday 27 February 2026

To Apply

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday 10 April 2026