Sustainable transport grants

Our community is an integral part of the environment, and together we are its custodian.

The sustainable transport grants are available for local individuals and groups to deliver projects that benefit our environment and community as set out in our Council Plan and Budget.

Key strategy

We seek submissions that lead on the use of sustainable modes of transport, and encourage walking, cycling and use of public transport in our community.

Successful projects must align with our priority theme: Our Well-Built City.

Examples of infrastructure or behaviour change projects that could attract funding include:

  • installation of bike racks; bike repair stations on school premises
  • support for schools’ bike ed programs by funding training for teachers
  • development of school travel plans
  • installation of active to school way-finding decals
  • purchase of bikes for tool or toy libraries
  • hosting community bicycle repair or bike information event.

2024-25 grants

A total pool of $10,000 is available for projects that align with our strategies.

You must read the full guidelines(PDF, 376KB) and speak with a Council officer before submitting your application.

Key dates

  • Applications open 22 April 2024.
  • Applications close at 11.59pm on 31 May 2024.
  • Assessment and decisions made in July to August 2024.
  • Projects must be acquitted within 12 months of the outcome.

Eligibility

Group applicants must:

  • have a project taking place in 2024/2025
  • be a not-for-profit organisation, community group, business, educational or religious institution
  • be an incorporated entity or be auspiced and administered by an incorporated entity (schools exempt).
  • be financial viability by providing a recent income and expenditure statement (schools exempt).
  • deliver the funded activity or service within Banyule or show that the activity provides a direct benefit to our residents
  • follow equal opportunity principles and work place health and safety practices
  • have an ABN or be willing to complete a Statement by Supplier form
  • have public liability insurance up to $10,000,000 the time the project starts
  • have been established for a minimum of 12 months.

Individual applicants must:

  • have a project taking place in 2024/2025
  • be at least 18 years old
  • work, live or provide significant evidence of engagement in our community
  • be auspiced (auspice fees up to 5% can be funded for individual applicants)
  • have auspice organisation satisfy all group eligibility requirements
  • have public liability insurance up to $10M when the project starts

You can speak to a grants officer if you would like to discuss insurance options.

Auspicing

The auspicing entity must accept responsibility for the management of funds and acquittal requirements, as well as all insurance risks of the project.

Additional conditions

Planting projects must use indigenous plants of local province. A detailed species list can be provided by contacting the Environment Grants Officer or Bushland Management Team about plant selection. Demonstration of site considerations, preparation and ongoing maintenance should be included in the application.

Our approval (including necessary permits) must be gained for any projects being undertaken on Council-owned or managed land.

Applications for projects on private land may be considered, but must fulfil the existing assessment criteria and demonstrate benefit to the wider community, or positive impacts to public land.

To receive grant funds, successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement with Banyule Council and adhere to all conditions outlined in the agreement.

Assessment

Submissions will be assessed by the Banyule Environment and Climate Action Advisory Committee (BECAAC, a community advisory committee established to advise us on environmental issues) and 4 main criteria:

  • Project idea: 50%
  • Application: 20%
  • Community benefit: 20%
  • Using local resources: 10%

Read the guidelines for full details.

Application

Applications must be submitted through Smarty Grants.

Apply for a sustainable transport grant

Acquittal

The due date of your acquittal will be included in your agreement, typically 12 months after any grant money is awarded.

All successfully funded projects will submit an online acquittal form that requires:

  • providing receipts and invoices for all expenses
  • marketing materials and how you did promotions
  • detail about any in-kind contributions
  • project outcomes.

You must get our consent to any project variations that will alter the original funding approval before you proceed (we reserve the right to cease funding).

All requests will be considered by the Director City Development on advice from Council officers, and you will be notified of our decision.

Variations should be applied for through SmartyGrants.

Past projects

New bike parking at schools

Children on bikes at a school

During 2022-23, 2 local schools received sustainable transport grants to help boost active, healthy and sustainable transport options for travelling to and from school.

Watsonia Heights Primary School used their grant to support its successful ‘STRIVE to ride’ program and updated and expanded its secure storage space for bikes and scooters. Equipment included new storage racks, as well as air pumps and bike maintenance equipment.

Montmorency South Primary School used their grant to install extra bike racks to support the growing number of children riding to school. The racks can also be used by community members riding to basketball games in the school’s stadium.

 

Accessibility

The grants process is open and accessible to everyone, including if:

  • you need a printed copy of the guidelines or a printed copy in large print;
  • you need to discuss these guidelines by phone;
  • you need the guidelines in a captioned video format;
  • you need to discuss the guidelines with us using the services of an Auslan interpreter;
  • your hearing or speech is impaired, you can call us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 (TTY) or 1300 555 727 on an ordinary handset and ask for 9490 4222;
  • you need a language interpreter please contact TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected to us on 9490 4222; or
  • you need a printed form and support to enter information into SmartyGrants please contact us for assistance.

If you face any barriers to applying and would like to discuss these or any other ways we can help you, please contact us.

Contact us

For any queries, contact our Transport Team at active.travel@banyule.vic.gov.au.