Funding for the installation of safer electricity infrastructure in eligible high bushfire risk areas in Victoria

This program provides VIC businesses in eligible LGAs with funding to help them underground private powerlines (POELs) to reduce powerline bushfire ignitions.

Overview

This program aims to:

• assist in the recovery of areas affected by the 2019/20 summer bushfires
• increase community safety by reducing the risk posed by bare-wire powerlines
• stimulate bushfire affected communities by generating local jobs.

The grant covers power poles and powerlines on private properties that connect the property to the electricity distribution network. The funds cover 100% of powerline undergrounding costs and replacement works, including contractors' engagement, securing product supplies and obtaining local planning approvals.

Check if you can apply

To be eligible, you must own a private overhead electric powerline on a property in a designated High Bushfire Risk Area within one of the following LGAs:

• Alpine
• Baw Baw
• Benalla
• East Gippsland
• Indigo
• Mansfield
• Murrindindi
• Strathbogie
• Towong
• Wangaratta
• Wellington
• Wodonga
• Yarra Ranges.

The POEL must be either:

• partially or fully bare-wire or if insulated, subject to a current urgent or significant defect notice
• in active use (the line is connected and energised)
• overhead (not already underground or in the process of being undergrounded).