Victoria announces $5.2 million for regional truck wash upgrades

The Victorian government has launched the Regional Truck Wash Upgrade Grant Program, pledging $5.2 million to improve infrastructure and effluent disposal services for the livestock industry. Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle announced the initiative at the Central Victoria Livestock Exchange, stating that the upgrades aim to protect livestock from disease, maintain supply chain movement, and support regional communities.

The program responds to industry pressures caused by facility closures and evolving needs. It will be implemented in stages, beginning with a non-monetary expression of interest process to assess the scope and readiness of potential projects. This initial stage will inform the design of the second stage, which will involve direct grant funding.

Stage 2 applications are expected to be invited in early 2027 and will include two streams: project planning, covering feasibility and design, and direct infrastructure funding. The Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action will finalize guidelines for the second stage following the completion of the initial assessment.