The Air Quality Improvement Precincts (AQIP) Grant Program supports businesses located in Melbourne’s west, identified as one of Victoria’s air pollution hot spots, to reduce the emission of PM2.5 and PM10, common air polluting particles found in dust and smoke.

• Round 2 will support Inner West Air Quality Improvement Precinct projects.
• Round 1 supported Outer West Air Quality Improvement Precinct projects. Applications are now closed for this round.

The program is being administered by Sustainability Victoria (SV) on behalf of Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

Round 2 applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm Thursday 9 November 2023. Late applications will not be accepted except under exceptional circumstances.

The following are the guidelines for applicants applying for funding under Round 2 of this program.

1. Fund overview

1.1 Fund objectives

The Fund aims to support industry and business to reduce their localised emissions of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in the Inner West Air Quality Improvement Precinct.

PM2.5 is commonly found in smoke and is particulate matter of a diameter of 2.5 micrometres (0.0025mm) or less. PM10 is commonly found in dust and is particulate matter of a diameter of 10 micrometres (0.01 mm) or smaller. Exposure to these particles can affect human health.

1.2 Funding available

Two streams of funding are available per project:

For an individual application:

Stream 1: up to $50,000 (ex GST).

Stream 2: over $50,000 and up to $100,000 (ex GST).

For a group application (Collaborative Partnership):

Stream 1: up to $50,000 (ex GST).

Stream 2: over $50,000 and up to $1,000,000 (ex GST).

In a Collaborative Partnership, the number of partners will determine the maximum amount of funding available. For example, a 4-partner application may apply for up to $400,000.

Note: eligible businesses can only apply for up to $100,000 maximum.

1.3 Co-contribution

Applicants are required to make a minimum cash Co-contribution to all projects.

Stream 1: applicants must contribute a minimum $1 for every $2 from Victorian Government ($1:$2).

Stream 2: applicants must contribute a minimum $1 for every $1 from Victorian Government ($1:$1).

Note: Co-contributions must be made towards eligible funded activities. In-kind contributions are not eligible under this fund.

2. Eligibility

2.1 Who can apply

Eligible organisations are businesses that are located in the Inner West Precinct both at the time of application and for the duration of the project.

Select the square in the top right corner of the map to view full screen and learn if your Business is located within the precinct.

Note: there is no minimum operating history requirement under this fund.

Eligible businesses may apply either as a single organisation or as a Collaborative Partnership involving multiple businesses. If applying as a Collaborative Partnership, a Lead Applicant must be designated. The Lead Applicant serves as the responsible Contracting Party, accountable for both the application and project delivery, including the coordination of Collaborative Partners. Grant funding will be received solely by the Lead Applicant.

Note: If the applicant is a Trust, the Funding Agreement must be executed by the Trustee of the Trust, for instance, XYZ Pty Ltd acting as The Trustee for the XYZ Trust. The Trust, as the trading entity, must meet all the fund's eligibility requirements (for example, having an ABN).

Applicants must:

have a current Australian Business Number (ABN). If the applicant is a Trust, the Trust as the trading entity must meet this requirement.

have an appropriate legal structure such as an Australian Registered company, business cooperative or partnership and have documentary evidence of an appropriate legal structure.

be able to demonstrate financial viability to undertake the project (will meet or exceed the minimum Co-contribution requirements)

agree to comply with the Terms of Participation in Grant Programs

agree to comply with the funding agreement terms and conditions (PDF, 282kB).

We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.

2.3 What will be funded

Funding will support projects that:

• reduce a business’s localised contribution to air pollution from smoke or dust - specifically the emission of PM2.5 and PM10.

Projects must:

• be located in the Inner West Air Quality Improvement Precinct
• meet regulatory or planning requirements.
• be completed by 28 March 2025.

All expenditure items must be directly related to the project. Examples include:

• capital purchases, such as infrastructure or equipment.
• permit, licensing, approval costs.

Project examples:

• Air pollution control equipment that reduces smoke and dust, such as scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, bag houses or filters.
• Installing hardstands or sealing work areas and private roadways to reduce dust.
• Wheel washing stations to remove dust from trucks and vehicles before leaving site.
• Upgrades to mobile or fixed plant to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 emissions from non-road diesel engines.
• Misting sprays along fence boundaries to suppress dust.
• Planting of vegetation barriers.
• Other innovative solutions that will reduce the emission of smoke and dust.