Western Renewables Link Local Grants Fund
OPEN | Applications close 30 June, 2026.
As part of WRL’s commitment to early investment, the Local Grants Fund will invest $4 million in locally led projects that strengthen communities and deliver meaningful benefits during the project’s development phase. The Local Grants Fund will support projects across the seven Local Government Areas along the proposed WRL route.
What the Local Grants Fund is for
The grants are designed to support a wide range of community groups, especially grassroots organisations and volunteer-led groups in the seven Local Government Areas along the proposed WRL route. Groups can apply for projects under five funding priorities:
- Community infrastructure
- Environment
- New energy initiatives
- Community connection and participation
- Emergency services
Available funding
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for smaller initiatives, with grants up to $300,000 available for larger legacy projects that deliver broad, lasting impact.
How applications are assessed
Grant applications will be assessed with the support of an Independent Local Grants Review Panel, made up of community representatives from across the project area, who can apply to be part of the Panel.
Free grant writing workshops
To help groups put together a strong application, WRL are offering free, independently facilitated grant writing workshops throughout April, followed by Q&A sessions with practical guidance on eligibility and assessment criteria.
These sessions will suit both first-time applicants and experienced grant writers looking for a refresher and will help applicants refine their project idea and approach while providing practical tips and tools that can be applied to future projects and funding opportunities.
- Date: Monday April 20
- Time: 11am to 1pm
- Venue: Stawell Entertainment Centre, 65 Main Street
You can register your attendance to the above session or one of the other sessions being held in the eligible local government areas.
More information
You can find all the details about the Local Grant Fund on the Western Renewables Link website
Please be aware the grant will be prioritising applications from closer to the proposed WRL alignment, however may consider applications from other areas depending on the availability of funds. There is 13km proposed for Northern Grampians Shire which you can see on a map, here -
Applying for or receiving a grant does not indicate support for the WRL project.
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