VIC Distillery Support - Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate

VIC Distillery Support – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate

  • Applications will remain open until 30 June 2025.
  • A Rebate of up to 70% or 80% of the total eligible expenditure or up to the maximum of $50,000, whichever is the lesser amount, is available for equipment and infrastructure that will support improvements to safety in distilleries

The Distillery Support – Hazardous Areas and Dangerous Goods Rebate Program is dedicated to enhancing skills, fostering tourism opportunities, expanding businesses through infrastructure and safety investments, and facilitating the development and growth of exports. This initiative aims to support employment and create economic opportunities across Victoria in a professional and strategic manner. The Rebate program aims to support distillers of alcoholic beverages in enhancing safety within their distilleries by facilitating investments in essential equipment and infrastructure.

Key Requirements

Please provide the necessary documents to support your application.

A maximum of eight documents can be uploaded. This comprises:

  • Licences
    • ATO license for the production of distilled alcoholic beverages
    • Victorian General or Producer’s Liquor Licence issued by Liquor Control Victoria
  • Distillery Assessment
    • Hazardous Area Assessment
    • Dangerous Goods Audit
    • OHS Essentials Program assessment pertaining to hazardous areas and dangerous goods
    • Evaluation conducted by a Worksafe dangerous goods inspector between April 1, 2023, and the closing date.
    • Licences
  • Invoices and Receipts
    • Provide copies of all invoices and receipts for eligible expenses incurred between April 1, 2023, and the closing date.
  • Statutory Declaration
    • A Statutory Declaration attesting to the total costs

What is eligible for funding?

This program offers a rebate of up to $50,000 (GST exclusive) for eligible costs associated with one or more of the following activities:

  • Expenses related to conducting a Hazardous Area Assessment or Dangerous Goods Audit between April 1, 2023, and the closing date.
  • Purchase and installation of equipment and infrastructure as advised in the Hazardous Area Assessment, Dangerous Goods Audit, OHS Essentials Program regarding hazardous areas and dangerous goods, or evaluation by a Worksafe dangerous goods inspector between April 1, 2023, and the closing date.
  • Training tailored to the technology for ensuring safe equipment operation as advised (external costs only).

All funded activities are required to adhere to Australian Standards, including installation where mandated by regulations. Installations must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and engage licensed tradesmen when necessary as per legislation, council regulations, or manufacturer’s guidelines. The recipient bears responsibility for this; the Department assumes no liability beyond what is outlined in these Guidelines concerning the project.

Given that this is a Rebate program, all expenses be incurred before applying. We cannot guarantee that every Rebate application will be supported.

What companies are eligible for funding?

To qualify, you need to:

  • Possess a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • Being registered as a business in Victoria
  • Being a legal entity
  • Possess a minimum of one still with a capacity of 50 litres or more
  • Possess an active ATO Manufacturer’s Licence to produce distilled alcoholic beverages
  • Possess a valid Victorian General or Producer’s Liquor Licence issued by Liquor Control Victoria.
  • Have had a Hazardous Area Assessment, Dangerous Goods Audit, OHS Essentials Program pertaining to hazardous areas and dangerous goods, or evaluation by a WorkSafe dangerous goods inspector – conducted between April 1, 2023, and the closing date.
  • Being able to meet the cash co-contribution (minimum 20% or 30%) required
  • Agree to engage in forthcoming Program evaluation activities.
  • Adhere to all employer responsibilities in compliance with the National Employment Standards and the rights and duties outlined in relevant industrial awards.

Applicants will need to:

  • Meet the standard eligibility requirements for the Rebate.
  • Confirm the volume of distilled alcohol produced during the 2022-23 financial year.
  • Submit copies of their current ATO Manufacturer’s Licence to produce distilled alcoholic beverages and their current Victorian General or Producer’s Licence
  • Submit a copy of one of the following: Hazardous Area Assessment, Dangerous Goods Audit, OHS Essentials Program relating to hazardous areas and dangerous goods, or assessment by a WorkSafe dangerous goods inspector – undertaken from 1 April 2023 until closing date
  • Submit copies of invoices and receipts for eligible items
  • Submit a Statutory Declaration attesting to the total costs

Is this grant competitive or entitlement based?

Entitlement. Applications are assessed against eligibility criteria.

How can I increase my chances of winning this grant?

By engaging an accredited government grants consultant, such as Avant Group.

As part of your engagement with Avant Group, your account manager will assess the required documents and will provide the following as needed to support your grant submission.

Grant application writeup including a detailed presentation illustrating how the grant funding will contribute to your project, how the funding will contribute to the project’s budget, a project milestone plan, delivery timeline, impact on employment if applicable and a breakdown of the management and leadership team for the project

How can I get help with my application? Or know if I’m likely to win funding?

Avant Group offers a no-obligation assessment of your eligibility for funding and will assess your likelihood of a successful grant application.