“We want energy security for First Nations backed up by government funding commitments – grants, loans, guarantees. We want capacity for our Traditional Owner entities, to keep up with the job demand so we can fill those jobs."

Due to its reliance on emissions-intensive brown coal, Victoria is currently seeking to engineer a transition from one of the dirtiest power systems in the world to 95% renewable energy by 2035. The Victorian government has set out an ambitious agenda consisting of projects such as establishing Renewable Energy Zones, the development of offshore wind, battery storage targets, and energy efficiency and electrification of households and businesses. The amount of coal-fired power has decreased significantly with the 2017 exit of Hazelwood station and the exit of Anglesea coal power station in 2015.  

Thanks to Huzaifa Tariq for the beautiful photo!

The next roundtable in the development of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy is being held in Geelong, Victoria on 27-28 November 2024.

Finance and funding opportunities for the state of Victoria can be found here.

We haven't tracked them all yet, so please advise us if you know of finance or funding opportunities that could be included.

100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program (Closing 29 October 2024)

Name of program: 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program

Who is it for: 

• Traditional Owner Corporations
• Businesses
• Not-for-profit groups

Who's funding it? Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Conditions: 

• up to $400,000 available per battery

• you must have a cash co-contribution

When does funding close? 29 October 2024

How do I apply? Click here

Aboriginal Business Growth Program (Closing 6 September 2024)

Name of program: Aboriginal Business Growth Program

Who is it for: 

• Aboriginal owned and operated businesses

What is the aim of the funding?

• secure vital support for sustained success
• expand into new markets, boost revenue and reach more customers
• build, maintain and develop the workforce

Who's funding it? Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Conditions: 

• grants between $10,000 and $100,000

• Grant funds can be used to:

  • buy new assets, equipment and machinery
  • develop and execute business plans
  • run feasibility studies and site analysis
  • undertake specialised training
  • undertake minor building alterations and fit outs
  • hire labour and contractors for projects
  • implement business improvement strategies including technical training, professional development and mentoring

When does funding close? 6 September 2024

How do I apply? Click here

Aboriginal Business Support Program (Closing 6 September 2024)

Name of program: Aboriginal Business Support Program

Who is it for: 

• Aboriginal owned and operated businesses

What is the aim of the funding?

• to improve daily operations and help the financial sustainability of the business
• provide access to capital, information and expertise
• improve the skills of owners and employees
• enable businesses to excel and compete effectively in their market

Who's funding it? Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Conditions: 

• grants between $5,000 and $10,000

• funds can be used for activities including training, mentorship, networking, marketing, expert advisory services and accreditations

When does funding close? 6 September 2024

How do I apply? Click here

Solar Homes rebate or loan

Name of program: Solar Homes rebate or loan

Who is it for: 

• renters 
• homeowners 

Who's funding it? Victoria Government

Conditions: 

• If eligible, you may be offered an interest-free loan towards your installation. The maximum loan amounts available are:
  • solar panel (PV) — $1,400
  • solar for rentals — $1,400
  • solar battery loans — $8,800
  You must repay the loan over 4 years, or sooner in a single lump sum if you like.

When does funding close? OPEN

How do I apply? Click here

Solar Saver Rates Program, Darebin

Name of program: Solar Saver Rates Program

Who is it for: 

• renters who are First Nation residents
• homeowners who are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander resident

Who's funding it? City of Darebin

Conditions: 

• must live in Darebin
• need to register your interest
• Council pays the upfront cost for the system, and you (or your landlord) pay it off over 10 years, interest-free

When does funding close? OPEN

How do I apply? Click here

Victorian Energy Upgrades program

Name of program: Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program

Who is it for: 

• business or residential customers

Who's funding it? Essential Services Commission

Conditions: 

• Search for an accredited provider who may help you access discounts for energy-efficient products under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program here 
• upgrades may be open to business and/or residential customers

When does funding close? OPEN

How do I apply? Click here

Thanks to Stefan K for the photo!

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water have published a notice of proposal to declare an area in the Southern Ocean region off Victoria and South Australia, historically referred to as the Portland area. Consultation is now open on the suitability of offshore renewable energy infrastructure in the Commonwealth waters extending offshore from Warrnambool, Victoria to Port MacDonnell, South Australia.