Exceptional Tree Maintenance Rebate 2026

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

Welcome to City of Melbourne's online grant and rebate application service, powered by SmartyGrants.

This application form will help City of Melbourne assess whether you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a rebate as part of the Exceptional Tree Maintenance Rebate 2026 program.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Please read the application guidelines on our website to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. 
• You can use the 'Download Preview Form' to preview the application form.
• For queries about the guidelines, deadlines, or questions in the form, please contact the Urban Forest and Ecology Team at melbourneurbanforest@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
• If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

NAVIGATING (MOVING THROUGH) THE APPLICATION FORM

• You may begin anywhere in this application form. Please ensure you save as you go.
• On the right hand side of every screen, there is a 'Navigation box' which links directly to every page of the application. Click the link to jump directly to page you want.
• You can also click 'Next page' or 'Previous page' on the top or bottom of each page to move forward or backward through the application.

SAVING YOUR DRAFT APPLICATION

• Remember to frequently save your application form. It will not save automatically. You can do this by clicking the 'Save' button at the top or bottom of your page.
• If you wish to leave a partially completed application, press 'Save' and log out. When you log back in and click on the ‘My Submissions’ link at the top of the screen, you will find a list of any applications you have started or submitted. You can reopen your draft application and start where you left off.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

• You will find a 'Review and Submit' button at the bottom of the Navigation Panel. You need to review your application before you can submit it.
• Once you have submitted your application, you cannot do any further editing or upload attachments. 
• When you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. This will be sent to the email you used to register.
• If you do not receive a confirmation of submission email then you should presume that your submission has NOT been submitted.

ATTACHMENTS AND SUPPORT DOCUMENTS

• You will need to upload/submit attachments to support your application. This is very simple, but requires you to have the documents saved on your computer, or on a storage device.
• You need to allow enough time for each file to upload before trying to attach another file. Files can be up to 25MB each; however, we do recommend trying to keep files to a maximum of 5MB – the larger the file, the longer the upload time.

PRIVACY POLICY AND INFORMATION COLLECTION STATEMENT

City of Melbourne is committed to protecting your privacy.

The personal information collected on this application form is being collected by City of Melbourne (via SmartyGrants) for the purpose of assisting with the assessment of your application for funding through City of Melbourne’s Exceptional Tree Maintenance Rebate 2026 program. In addition, City of Melbourne staff will use the personal information provided to contact you about your application, including notification of outcome.

The information will be disclosed internally to City of Melbourne staff and securely stored in SmartyGrants and City of Melbourne computer systems. In addition, information that you provide may be de-identified and aggregated by Council, to be disclosed to external academic researchers and research consultants for the purpose of conducting research relating to urban forestry and tree management. This non-identifiable information may include the types of tree maintenance works being undertaken and frequency, to be used as part of analysis and synthesis. No other information will be disclosed to any external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law.

By submitting an application you consent to City of Melbourne publishing information about the successful applicant’s exceptional tree, location and description of funded maintenance works on its website www.melbourne.vic.gov.au. This information may also be used for promoting City of Melbourne’s Exceptional Tree Register more generally through case studies and articles on City of Melbourne’s website and social media accounts.

If you wish to notify City of Melbourne of any changes to the personal information provided, contact the Urban Forest and Ecology team via email at melbourneurbanforest@melbourne.vic.gov.au

View City of Melbourne’s Privacy Policy.