Rural Engagement Program
The Rural Engagement Program supports rural landowners and managers in Hume to sustainably manage their land, agriculture and the environment. This includes activities such as controlling noxious weeds and pests on properties, protecting and enhancing native vegetation and creeks, and supporting agricultural land uses such as running a viable agribusiness or hobby-farm.
It is made up of a suite of sub-programs, including the:
Conserving our Rural Environment Grant 2025-26
Expressions of Interest (EOI's) for this opportunity have now closed. We appreciate the strong interest and thank all those who submitted an EOI. Eligible applicants have been assessed and have received an invitation to apply. If you have not received an invitation, we encourage you to stay connected for future opportunities.
For CoRE Grant information, please contact Council's Sustainability Engagement team.
Phone: 9205 2200
Email: coregrant@hume.vic.gov.au
Rural Land Management Grant 2025-26
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
- Property is within Green Wedge, Green wedge A, Rural Living and farming zones
- Property is 0.4 hectares in size or greater
- Evidence of satisfactory land management can be demonstrated
- 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.
Primary Producer Rate Rebate 2025-27
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
- Property is two hectares or over
- 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
- Demonstrating satisfactory sustainable land management
For more information, please read the Primary Producer Rate Rebate Guidelines(PDF, 7MB) 2025-27.
Who can I call if I need assistance or have an enquiry?
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