western.lls.nsw.gov.au · Web viewWestern Region Small Land Management Grants – Guidelines and...

Western Region SmallLand Management Grants Program

Guidelines and Conditions

Contents

1. About the program...................................................................................................................................... 2

2. How to apply............................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Who can apply........................................................................................................................................... 3

4. What projects will be funded....................................................................................................................... 3

5. Completing the budget table....................................................................................................................... 4

6. Completing the hazard identification and risk assessment.........................................................................5

7. Assessment and notification process.........................................................................................................5

8. Feedback and appeal process.................................................................................................................... 5

9. Conditions of funding.................................................................................................................................. 6

10. How your information is used..................................................................................................................... 6

11. How to submit your application................................................................................................................... 6

12. More information......................................................................................................................................... 7

13. Appendices................................................................................................................................................. 8

Appendix A – Map of the Western Region, indicating eligible locations.............................................................9

Appendix B – Examples of projects that are eligible for funding.......................................................................10

Appendix C – Sample budget table..................................................................................................................12

Appendix D – Sample hazard identification and risk assessment....................................................................13

Western Region Small Land Management Grants – Guidelines and Conditions

1. About the programThe Western Region Small Land Management Grants Program provides grants to individuals, groups and organisations to undertake small projects that focus on improving and sustaining the condition of natural resources in the Western Region.

An important feature of the program is that all projects must have a public benefit – that is, the region more broadly, not just the applicant, will gain a long-term benefit from the funding.

The program offers grants across six Funding Categories:

1. Pest animals and community activities – for pest animal control activities at a property or site level

2. Weeds and community activities – for weed control activities at a property or site level

3. Training and community activities – community events that raise awareness about natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity or Aboriginal cultural heritage

4. Education and community activities – for training and knowledge related activities for schools

5. Site protection and community activities – for protection of sites of particular significance and/or cultural value

6. Conservation farming and community activities – for small-scale conservation farming activities, awareness and training.

Pest animal, weed, site protection and conservation farming activities are limited to proposals of up to $10,000. Training and education activities are limited to $5,000.

Indiviudals may apply for up to $20,000 per financial year, however limits to each funding category still apply. Groups may apply for up to $50,000, however again, limits to each funding category still apply.

The program is continually open for applications, provided that the annual allocation of funds for each Funding Category has not been exhausted. We will publish an alert on our website if funding has been exhausted in any category.

Hint – It is recommended that you apply as early as possible to secure funding for your project

Aim and objectivesThe program aims to improve and sustain the condition of natural resources in the Western Region by encouraging greater community participation in, and sharing of knowledge about, natural resource management.

The objectives are:

to improve the condition of habitats and communities in the Western region

to improve the condition of threatened ecological communities

to improve the condition of threatened species habitat

to increase the number of agricultural enterprises adopting sustainable natural resource management practices

to increase the area of land that is managed sustainably

to improve land managers’ and the community’s skills and knowledge of natural resource management practices through training

to increase the number of Aboriginal people participating in natural resource management activities

Western Region Small Land Management Grants – Guidelines and Conditions

to increase the number of individuals/groups participating in natural resource management activities.

Western Region Small Land Management Program – Guidelines and Conditions

The objectives align with the Funding Categories as follows:

Objective Pest animals and community activities

Weeds and community activities

Training and community activities

Education and community activities

Site protection and community activities

Conservation farming and community activities

How do LLS report on these objectives?

To improve the condition of habitats and communities in the Western region

X X X Hectares (area)

To improve the condition of threatened ecological communities

X X X X Hectares (area)

To improve the condition of threatened species habitat

X X X X Hectares (area)

To increase the number of agricultural enterprises adopting sustainable natural resource management practices

X X X X X Number of entities

To increase the area of land that is managed sustainably

X X X Hectares (area)

To improve land managers’ and the community’s skills and knowledge of natural resource management practices through training

X Number of participants

To increase the number of Aboriginal people participating in natural resource management activities

X X X Number of participants/ groups

To increase the number of individuals/groups participating in natural resource management activities

X X X Number of participants/ groups

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2. How to applyYou need to complete and submit the Western Region Small Land Management Grants Program Application Form.

You need to identify at Part B on the Application Form which Funding Category you wish to apply for. You can only apply for one Funding Category at a time. In some cases, your project may fit more than one category, so you will need to determine which one is the most appropriate.

Hint – Our Grant Managers can offer advice about which category is the best fit for your project.

The application form includes:

a budget table

a hazard identification and risk assessment.

More information about how to complete these is provided in Sections 5 and 6 below.

You can apply for funding more than once in each financial year, provided that you meet the following conditions:

You must have completed your first project and received confirmation from Local Land Services Western Region that you have met the conditions of your funding (refer to Section 9)

Individuals may receive a maximum of $20,000 per financial year. If you have successfully completed a project you may reapply to the funding cateogory if you have not reached the limit for that category or the individual limit. If you have reached the limit for a funding category, but not the individual limit, you may apply to a different category.

Groups may receive a maximum of $50,000 per financial year. If a group has successfully completed a project they may reapply to the funding cateogory if the group has not reached the limit for that category or the group limit. If the group reaches the limit for a funding category, but not the total group limit, they may apply to a different category.

The program is open to:

individuals incorporated groups non-government organisations Local Government

All applicants must reside in the Western Region. Refer to Appendix A for a map of eligible locations.

Who is ineligible to applyThe program is not available to:

NSW State Government agencies and employees (note that this criteria does not apply to educational organisations applying to the educational activities funding category).

individuals with an outstanding monitoring activity with Local Land Services Western Region or the former Catchment Management Authority.

individuals, groups, organisations and Local Governments located outside the Western Region.

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3. What projects will be fundedThe types of projects that will be funded will vary depending on which Funding Category you are applying for. Appendix A provides examples to help guide you – but please note that this list is not exhaustive and other projects not in Appendix B may also be eligible.

Hint – it is recommended that you talk to our Project Officers about your project before you apply to check whether it is likely to be eligible.

All projects must:

contribute to meeting at least one of the objectives listed on page 1

have a long-term public benefit – this may include reducing biosecurity risks, improving soil quality and salinity management, which have a flow-on benefit to other areas within the region. It also includes sharing knowledge and skills with the wider community through workshops or demonstration events.

Hint – you need to clearly explain in your application how your project will meet these two criteria.

be completed within a six month period, commencing from the date your Funding Agreement is executed.

focus on Weeds of National Signficance or Noxious Weeds as listed by the Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 (relevant for the Weeds and Community Activities Funding Category).

A list of these Weeds of National Significance is available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/wons.html.

For a complete list of weeds classed as noxious in New South Wales, refer to www.weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au

What won’t be fundedThe program will not fund projects that:

are core organisational functions – e.g. training for certifications which are already required by legislation.

are more appropriate to be funded through our Incentives Program. The Grant Manager can provide advice about this.

do not focus on Weeds of National Significance or Noxious Weeds as listed by the Noxious Weeds (Weed Control) Order 2014 (relevant for the Weeds and Community Activities Funding Category).

4. Completing the budget tableAs part of your application you need to provide a detailed budget table outlining how the grant will be used. We will assess it to ensure it represents value for money.

All of the figures in the table must be GST exclusive and based on quotes. You must source quotes and attach them to your application. If your application is successful, you will only receive the amount you have specified in your budget table – there is no allowance for price increases. Budgets may be adjusted, at the discretion of the Local Area Manager (refer to Section 7).

A sample budget table is provided in Appendix C to assist you with completing your table.

Eligible expensesExpenses you can include in your project are:

Travel costs for you to attend a course or training event – travel by vehicle should be costed at $0.27 per kilometre for vehicles under 2600CC and $0.30 per kilometre for vehicles over 2600CC (based on NSW Government casual journey allowance). Travel by plane, should be based on best fare of the day. Note that travel costs associated with Local Land Services Western Region funded events may not be considered.

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http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/wons.html


Course fees – if the course fee is greater than $5,000, you are required to pay any outstanding balance

Purchasing information resources such as training books, course information and computer software

Producing information resources – includes design, printing and distribution costs

Accommodation – half (50 per cent) of your accommodation costs can be included

Consumables such as herbicides, fencing materials, tree guards etc.

Catering for knowledge sharing events such as workshops and demonstrations

On ground activities such as ripping, laboratory testing.

Ineligible expensesExpenses you cannot include in your project are:

purchasing capital equipment

catering that is not associated with knowledge sharing events.

The purchase of items that do not contribute to Local Land Services Western Region outcomes

Activities or items that pose a high risk or hazard to causing an injury, illness or disease or damage/loss to property, plant or equipment.

Hint – if you’re unsure about whether an expense is eligible, please contact the relevant Grant Manager.

5. Completing the hazard identification and risk assessmentAs part of your application you must complete the hazard identification and risk assessment table which outlines what hazards and risks are associated with your project and how they can be avoided or minimized. This provides reassurance that your project can be undertaken without causing damage, incidents or injuries.

A ‘hazard’ is anything that has potential to cause injury or disease to people, damage to the environment, property, plant or equipment.

A ‘risk’ is the chance of the hazard actually causing an injury, illness or disease or damage/loss to property, plant or equipment.

A sample risk assessment is provided at Appendix D.

Hint – you need to consider the hazard or risks for each activity, item or product involved in your project. If you’re unsure about the hazards and risks for your project, or how they should be controlled, contact the relevant Grant Manager for advice.

6. Assessment and notification processApplications will be assessed by an independent officer at Local Land Services Western Region against the following criteria:

the project addresses one or more of the program objectives

the project has a public benefit

the project activities are clear and achievable and based on best management practices

the budget table is clear, accurate and represents good value for money

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the project represents a low risk – i.e. the applicant has capacity to complete the project and there are no apparent issues that may impact on project completion or the project poses minimal risk to causing an injury, illness or disease or damage/loss to property, plant or equipment.

Applications that demonstrate that they meet these criteria will be eligible for funding.

Eligible applications will be submitted to the Local Area Manager in relevant district for final approval. The Local Area Manager may, at their discretion, adjust the budget (e.g. if an item is considered to represent poor value for money).

Applications will be assessed within one month of receipt. We will send you an email to confirm that your application has been received.

You will receive an email from us when your application has been assessed to inform you about the outcome of your application and the next steps (if your application is successful).

7. Feedback and appeal processIf your application is not successful for funding you can ask for feedback about why it was not supported. This can help you to improve your application if you wish to resubmit. To receive feedback, please contact the Grant Manager for the Funding Category you applied for. Contact details are provided at Section 12.

If, based on this feedback, you’re not satisfied with our decision not to support your application, you can lodge an appeal. Appeals must be in writing and directed to:

Erlina Compton, Acting General Manager, Local Land Services Western Region, PO Box 1048 Dubbo NSW 2830

8. Conditions of fundingIf your application is successful, you will be required to:

formally commit to undertaking your project by entering into a Funding Agreement with Local Land Services Western Region

submit a Project Evaluation Report upon completion of your project to tell us what you did, what was achieved and how the grant was spent. This report is due within 60 days of completing the project. A copy of the report is provided on our website

seek approval from Local Land Services Western Region for any proposed variations or extensions to project objectives, timetable, work plan or budget by submitting an Application to Vary Project Form.

return any unspent funds by no later than 60 days after completion of the project

agree to allow Local Land Services Western Region to publish information about you and your project on our website, Facebook Page and other communication channels and products as required.

It is recommended that you do not apply for funding if you’re not able to meet these conditions.

9. How your information is usedThe information you provide to Local Land Services Western Region in your application will be stored and used in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. If you have concerns about the amount or type of information we require in the application form, please contact the relevant Grant Manager listed below in Section 12.

By signing the Funding Agreement you provide consent for Local Land Services Western Region to publish the following information on the public register:

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applicants name and location amount of funding granted brief description of the project.

Local Land Services Western Region will also use this information to communicate to the public about the program. This may include publishing communication articles on our website, Facebook Page and other communication channels and products, as required.

10.How to submit your applicationTo facilitate the prompt assessment of your application and payment of your grant (if your application is successful), it is recommended that you submit your application by email.

Email your application to: [email protected]

Alternatively, you can post your application to: Western Region Small Land Management Grants Program, 32 Enterprise Way, Buronga, NSW 2739

11.More informationFor more information about the Western Region Small Land Management Grants Program or for advice on your project idea please contact the relevant Grant Manager.

Funding Category Grant Manager Location

Pest animals and community activities

Brian Dohnt02 6836 [email protected]

Cobar Office62 Marshall Street Cobar

Weeds and community activities Mitch Plumbe08 8082 5204 / 0408 241 [email protected]

Broken Hill Office 32 Sulphide Street Broken Hill


Jamie Love08 8082 5207 / 0428 925 [email protected]

Broken Hill Office32 Sulphide Street Broken Hill


Kaye Gottschutzke03 5021 9409 / 0429 981 [email protected]

Buronga Office32 Enterprise Way Buronga


Guy Gibbs02 6872 2144 [email protected]

Bourke Office21 Mitchell Street Bourke


Gregory Moulds03 5021 9444 / 0427 311 [email protected]

Buronga Office32 Enterprise Way Buronga

AppendicesAppendix A – Map of the Western Region, indicating eligible locations

Appendix B – Examples of eligible projects for funding

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Appendix C – Sample budget table

Appendix D – Sample hazard identification and risk assessment table

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Appendix A – Map of the Western Region, indicating eligible locationsThis map outlines the boundary of the Western Region. If your location falls within the boundary, you’re eligible to apply for funding. If your property extends beyond the boundary, you’re still eligible provided that the project is being conducted in the area that falls within the Western Region boundary. If you’re unsure, please contact the relevant Grant Manager (refer to Section 12).

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Appendix B – Examples of projects that are eligible for funding

Funding Category Category description Example projects

Pest animals and community activities

Pest animals control activities at a property or site level

Hosting conferences, workshops or training events on pest management

Attending workshops or information days on pest management

On ground works such as bait laying, mapping pest populations

Weeds and community activities

Weed control activities at a property or site level

Hosting conferences, workshops or training events on weed management

Attending workshops or information days on weed management

On ground works such as mapping weed infestations and treating weeds


Community events that raise awareness about natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity or Aboriginal cultural heritage

Hosting or attending conferences, workshops or training events that relate to natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity or Aboriginal cultural heritage, e.g. grazing management, property planning, low stress stock handling

Organising community events such as carp mustering or enhancing cultural heritage and environmental awareness


Training and knowledge related activities for schools about natural resource management, sustainable agriculture, biosecurity or Aboriginal cultural heritage

Excursions on cultural heritage or land management practices

Equipment to support the excursions


Small-scale protection of sites of particular significance and/or cultural value

Hosting conferences, workshops, demonstrations or training events on site protection

On ground works fencing Aboriginal cultural sites, fencing small vegetation communities

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Small-scale conservation farming activities, awareness and training

Hosting conferences, workshops, demonstrations or training events on conservation

Community events such as tree planning and seed collection

On ground works such as small scale machinery conversion

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Appendix C – Sample budget tableThe following sample budget table is for project that involves holding a six hour workshop in Cobar for 50 people so they can learn new conservation and land management techniques for their property.

Activity/Item/Product Quantity Cost per item(GST excl.)

Total cost(GST excl.)

Applicant In-kind

contribution (GST excl.)

Funding sought(GST excl.)

Hall hire 1 $250 $250 $250

Catering – morning tea and lunch 50 $22 $1,100 $1,100 $0

Professional trainer to deliver the course

1 $1000 $1,000 $1,000

Course booklets for each attendee 50 $10 $500 $500

Information flyer to promote the workshop: design

1 $100 $100 $100

Information flyer to promote the workshop: printing (70 people will be invited but only 50 can attend)

70 $2 $140 $140

Information flyer to promote the workshop: postage (envelope and stamp)

70 $1 $70 $70

Advertising in the local paper (two advertisements each placed two weeks apart)

2 $50 $100 $100

Total N/A N/A $3,260 $1,100 $2,16012


Activity/Item/Product Quantity Cost per item(GST excl.)

Total cost(GST excl.)

Applicant In-kind

contribution (GST excl.)

Funding sought(GST excl.)

Appendix D – Sample hazard identification and risk assessmentThis is an example of a hazard identification and risk assessment table for a workshop about conservation and land management techniques.

Project description: A six hour workshop will be held in Cobar for 50 people so they can learn new conservation and land management techniques for their property. The workshop will involve:

A theoretical discussion of techniques at the Cobar Scout Hall, from 9am to 12pm. The hall will need to be set up with tables and chairs. A screen and projector will also need to be set up. Catering (morning tea and lunch) will be provided.

Travel to a nearby property for a hands-on demonstration of the techniques, including establishing a fence. This will take place from 1pm to 4pm. Participants will travel in their own vehicles.

Activity/item/product

Hazard description Risk description Proposed risk controls

Venue set up Chairs and tables are heavy to move. Injury when moving chairs and tables. The risk is medium.

Bring a trolley to move chairs and tables. Ensure two people carry each item.

Venue set up Projector is mounted on the ceiling and difficult to access to turn on and off.

Injury when trying to access the projector. Risk is medium.

If using a ladder, ensure someone is holding it steady.

Catering No fridge at venue to keep food cold. Potential for food-related illness. The risk is high

Ask caterer to supply food immediately before each meal break

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Activity/item/product

Hazard description Risk description Proposed risk controls

Travel Participants need to travel 10km to the demonstration site in their own vehicles. There could be up to 50 vehicles travelling

Participants could cause congestion on the road, leading to an accident. The risk is medium.

Encourage participants to car pool to minimise congestion.

On ground demonstration

A new fencing technique will be demonstrated which requires physical labour.

Participants may drop materials on their foot or damage their hands on the fencing wire. The risk is medium.

Ensure participants wear appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, steel toe boots.

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The Western Region Small Land Management Grants Program is delivered by Local Land Services Western Region through funding from the Australian Government National Landcare Program.

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