Rural Engagement Program

We are now accepting Expressions of Interest for the 2026-28 Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) Grant.

Expression of Interest is open until 25 April 2026.

The Conserving our Rural Environment (CoRE) grant aims to empower rural landholders to conserve and enhance natural environmental values on their private rural property.

Since 2014, 144 unique rural properties have received CoRE funding and support, leading to healthier landscapes and improved biodiversity outcomes.

This year the CoRE Grant has been redesigned following a comprehensive program evaluation to make it more accessible and impactful for landholders and the rural environment.

The key change involves the introduction of three funding categories to suit different project scales and experience levels;

• Category 1 – Connecting Nature (up to $2,500 ex GST); for entry-level revegetation and habitat improvement projects that supports habitat connectivity and local biodiversity.
  
  
• Category 2 – Land Stewardship (up to $20,000 ex GST - $10,000 per year for two years); for large-scale strategic projects supported by Land Management Plans.
  
  
• Category 3 – Trust for Nature (up to $20,000 ex GST); for landowners seeking to permanently protect part of their land under a conservation covenant.

More information can be found in the CoRE Grant Guidelines 2026-28(PDF, 11MB)

Express your interest here

The aim of the Rural Land Management Grant (RLMG) is to provide landowners and land managers with the support and incentive to conduct land management activities across their property. The grant is offered at $300 per property plus $20 per hectare.

Hume City Council uses the SmartyGrants online platform to simplify and streamline your funding application process.

The 2025-26 Rural Land Management Grant is now open for eligible applicants.

Apply now

Eligibility

1. Property is within Green Wedge, Green wedge A, Rural Living and farming zones
2. Property is 0.4 hectares in size or greater
3. Evidence of satisfactory land management can be demonstrated
4. Landowners who do not receive the Conserving our Rural Environment Grant or the Primary Producer Rate Rebate

Note: You must be the landowner of the property to submit an application. If you are leasing or managing on behalf of a landowner you must provide written consent with your application to be eligible for the RLMG.

What can I use the grant for?

• conducting weed control through the purchase of equipment or herbicide
• hiring a contractor to conduct land management works
• pest animal control
• purchase of indigenous seedlings for revegetation works
• erosion control works

For more information please read the Rural Land Management Grant Guidelines(PDF, 1MB), and for land management updates subscribe to the RE-Source Newsletter.

Are you an agricultural business seeking to generate an income from your land?

The Primary Producer Rate Rebate (PPRR) supports investment in sustainable agriculture and land management activities by providing approved applicants with a rate rebate for a 2 year financial period. Every 2 years, properties need to re-apply for the PPRR and will be re-assessed for eligibility. The rebate is calculated as a 30 per cent discount on the general rate for approved properties, which is calculated against the Capital Improved Value of the property. Council will inform current PPRR recipients of the new grant round.

Hume City Council uses the SmartyGrants online platform to simplify and streamline your funding application process.

The PPRR 2025-27 is now open for eligible applicants.

Apply now

Eligibility

1. Property is two hectares or over
2. Provide evidence of agricultural business. This could include, but is not limited to:
   • income Tax Assessment showing Primary Producer
   • letter from accountant determining Primary Producer
   • ABN (Australian Business Number)
   • evidence of registered primary producer with the Australian Taxation Office
   • evidence of customer facing such as a website where customers can place product orders
   • sales receipts for product sales
   • clear visual evidence of primary production that Council Officers can sight on your property
   • other business records to Council’s satisfaction
3. Demonstrating satisfactory sustainable land management

For more information, please read the Primary Producer Rate Rebate Guidelines(PDF, 7MB) 2025-27.  

If you have questions about the Rural Engagement Program or need application assistance, please contact Council’s Sustainability Engagement Team.

General enquiries:
Phone: 9205 2200
Email: ruralenvironment@hume.vic.gov.au

CoRE Grant related enquiries:
Email: coregrant@hume.vic.gov.au

RE-Source is a quarterly publication for rural landowners covering land management issues and sharing information about Council grants, programs and opportunities.

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Click here for the latest publications of the RE-Source Newsletter