Trees for Farms funding joins Council’s Grants Program

Published on 26 February 2026

Colac Otway Shire Council is introducing a new funding stream, Trees for Farms, as part of the 2026–2027 Grants Program.

The Trees for Farms Grant will support native Australian tree‑planting projects on properties five hectares or larger within the Shire’s Farming Zone. The grant is open to farmers and other relevant groups improving farmland.

Mayor Jason Schram said the new program provides much‑needed support to farmers who may not qualify for Council’s existing Community Grants Program.

“Our farmers have been doing it tough over recent years,” Cr Schram said. “They’ve battled drought, and the ongoing threat of bushfire in the South West is very real. This funding offers practical support to help strengthen the long-term productivity and resilience of farms.”

The Trees for Farms initiative joins Council’s established Community Grants Program, which continues to deliver projects that benefit the wider community through three funding streams:

• Community Grants – supporting community groups to deliver projects, programs, equipment purchases, activities and new initiatives.
• Events Grants – supporting community events, commercial events, and signature events (large scale events attracting visitation and promoting the region).
• Business Grants (Building Façade Improvement Program) – helping local businesses enhance shopfronts and boost the appeal of commercial areas in Colac, Apollo Bay and smaller townships.

Last year, Council awarded $338,500 in funding through the 2025–2026 Community Grants Program.

Forty‑six community projects received support, including new netball court seating for the Irrewarra‑Beeac Football Netball Club, heating installation at the Birregurra Men’s Shed, painting and safety upgrades at the Wye River Surf Lifesaving Club, and mental health first aid training coordinated by Let’s Talk Colac.

Event Grants supported 23 events, including Apollo Bay WORDfest 2025, Colac West Primary School’s concert, and the 2026 Colac Kana Festival.

A full list of last year’s grant recipients is available our website.

Cr Schram said the wide range of applicants demonstrates the value of the program.

“The creativity and community spirit in these submissions is always inspiring,” he said. “Whether you’re a sporting club, arts organisation, community group or progress association, I encourage you to explore how the Grants Program could support your next project and continue to make Colac Otway a great place to grow, invest and belong.”

Applications for the 2026–2027 Colac Otway Shire Grants Program open on Friday, 27 February. Find out more on the website.