An announcement was made on 23 May 2023 regarding a revised timeline for Victoria’s native timber transition: Delivering Certainty For Timber Workers.
This website page is now being reviewed to update details and provide the best information. If you have a specific question, please view the contacts for the Support.
The $22 million Community Development Fund is designed to support the early implementation of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) program.
It aims to maintain the momentum for the economic transition built up through the Local Development Strategy program and continue the development of new industries and opportunities.
Allocation of the $22 million available will be through 2 funding streams and will be guided by the following principles:
- each town or community with a Local Development Strategy will receive a dedicated base level of funding for project management support and other activities
- the remainder of the funds will be allocated to particular innovation opportunities identified in Local Development Strategy business cases
- funding will be prioritised for the initiation of economic development and diversification projects
- communities will determine what innovation opportunities should be pursued in their community’s location, taking into account the overall program objectives.
The Community Development Fund is open until 30 June 2026.
Funding streams
The fund is being delivered as a contestable fund, where projects are assessed against merit criteria to identify those projects that can be supported.
The fund will use 2 funding streams.
Who is eligible?
Funding Stream 1
Applications for this stream of funding will be considered from a business, community or industry group including:
- Local Development Strategy host agency
- a community organisation that oversees the implementation of the Local Development Strategy
local government authority - a business and industry cluster or network
- chamber of commerce or business association.
Applications for activities to upskill community members received from organisations other than the community organisation that oversees the implementation of the Local Development Strategy will need the endorsement of that community organisation.
If the Local Development Strategy host agency or the community organisation that oversees the implementation of the Local Development Strategy does not apply for Stream 1 funding, it is expected that the community organisation will endorse any application for project management support.
Funding Stream 2
Applications for Funding Stream 2 will be considered from:
- Private sector businesses
- Business, community and industry groups including:
- Local Development Strategy host agencies
- the community organisation that oversees the implementation of the Local Development Strategy
- local government authorities
- business and industry clusters and networks
- chambers of commerce and business associations
- educational and research organisations
- Applications that involve the provision of enabling infrastructure necessary to activate projects delivering investment and jobs may be considered from:
- utility and services providers
- water corporations
- local government authorities
- incorporated not-for-profit organisations that operate as a business.
How to apply
Ensure eligibility
- Read the application guidelines carefully to establish the proposed project’s eligibility
- Read the grant agreement terms and conditions for the funding offered
- Discuss the proposed project with a Victorian Forestry Plan Community Transition Support Officer who can provide advice on the guidelines:
- Gippsland - Ruth Fitzclarence, Community Transition Support Officer, 0400 776 040
- Central Highlands - Yoshi De Wilde, Community Transition Support Officer, 0499 830 051
- North-east Victoria - Jenny Pena, Community Transition Support Officer, 0400 447 342
- Call 1800 318 182 or email victorianforestryplan@djpr.vic.gov.au
Prepare and submit an application
Potential applicants will be provided a link to submit an application by the Victorian Forestry Plan Community Transition Support Officer.
Applicants will need to demonstrate how the project aligns with the Local Development Strategy outcomes and the eligible project activities.
Applications should clearly and succinctly describe the project by detailing:
- the key activities to be undertaken
- project management arrangements
- resource requirements.
Documentation to support the project should be attached to the application such as:
- the relevant Local Development Strategy business case
- a feasibility study
- a business plan
- evidence of support of the town or community’s community organisation that oversees the implementation of the town’s Local Development Strategy.
For grants over $50,000, applicants (with the exception of exempt organisations such as Local Government Authorities and universities) will be asked to provide copies of annual reports and audited financial statements (audited profit and loss statements and balance sheets) covering the last three years with their application. This will enable the Department to assess the financial viability of the applicant and their ability to manage and complete the project.
If applicant organisations are unable to provide annual reports and audited financial statements for the last three years, they must discuss other means by which the Department can assess their financial viability and ability to manage and complete the project with a DJPR Community Transition Support Officer before submitting an application.
The Victorian Government’s Fair Jobs Code comes into effect on 1 December 2022.
The Fair Jobs Code allows the Victorian Government to use its purchasing power to promote secure employment and fair labour standards and to ensure compliance with employment, workplace and industrial laws.
Grants of $500,000 and over (excluding GST) may need to comply with the Code – for more information please visit the Buying for Victoria website.