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Support for winemakers

A new program, run by Wine Victoria, provides support for winemakers to tackle climate change, work sustainably, increase profitability, and keep abreast of market standards.

The Growing Victorian Wine into the Future Program will include a state-wide vineyard health assessment along with a series of regional workshops, tools, and resources available to the industry.
Participants will learn more about redevelopment strategies to modernise and optimise vineyards, ways to step-up productivity, and the benefits of adopting agtech on-farm.

For more information visit: winevic.org.au or email secretariat@winevictoria.org.au.

Boosting Regional Recycling

Round 2 of the Regional Recycling Fund is open until October 27, with grants available as part of a $34.9 million fund.

Round 1 of the Regional Recycling Fund focused on upgrading regional resource recovery facilities. Social enterprises and First Nations businesses are strongly encouraged to apply for grants as part of the Round 2 funding program.

www.vic.gov.au/regional-recycling-fund 

Low carbon future

Applications are now open for the Low Carbon Manufacturing Grant Program to help Victorian businesses become more competitive in a low carbon economy.

The program includes two streams. The Business Readiness Stream will provide grants of up to $50,000 for small to medium sized manufacturers to access business services, advice or expertise to pivot towards low carbon and renewable energy supply chains.

The  Business Growth Stream provides grants of between $50,000 and $250,000 for businesses to purchase or develop new equipment, skills or technology to manufacture components and products that support the transition to net zero emissions.

For more information visit business.vic.gov.au/lcmgp

Retirement village reforms

The government has released an exposure draft of a Bill to amend the Retirement Villages Act 1986 for public consultation.

For retirement village residents, the proposed amendments will strengthen key protections around exit fees, further clarify the obligations of village operators to their communities, and give residents more freedom to alter or renovate their units. 

The proposed reforms will be open for public consultation until October 28. To have your say on the proposed reforms, visit engage.vic.gov.au/retirementvillagesact