Hunter Local Land Services Aboriginal Program 2015/16

Aboriginal Land Management Teams Grant Program

Guidelines for Applicants

Program Information
Funding available / Total funding available is $71,879 – Catchment Action NSW
Applications open / 16November 2015
Closing date for applications / 11December 2015
Final date for completion of approved projects / 30 June 2016
Eligibility / Aboriginal not-for-profit groups and organisations across the Hunter Local Land Services region.
Applicants must be either incorporated or auspiced by an organisation that is incorporated or has an ABN.
Eligible activities / See Page 3
Identified Priority Areas/Activities
(funding restricted to) / Forthe Aboriginal community to identify priority issues and participate in improved natural resource management (NRM) and invasive pest animal management on land in the Hunter Local Land Services region.
Funding available / Grants of up to $10,000 per project
Lodging applications / Electronically:
or
Written: Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Program
Hunter Local Land Services
Private Bag 2010
Paterson NSW 2421
Conditions of Funding / Standard Local Land Services Grant funding terms and conditions apply (Page 6 of these guidelines)
Local Land Services on-ground works minimum standards apply (Page 6-7 of these guidelines)
Where to get assistance? / Grant program contact officers:
Lower Hunter - Toby Whaleboat (Grant Program Manager)
Phone: 0429 303 765
Email:
Upper Hunter – Sarah Giblin
Ph:02 6540 2414
Email:
Manning-Great Lakes – Geoff Foster
Ph: 02 65518994 Ext 243
Email:

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Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Program – Grant Guidelines

About the LLS

Local Land Services (LLS) was established in January 2014 to deliver quality, customer-focused services to farmers, landholders and the community across rural and regional New South Wales.

LLS bring together agricultural production advice, biosecurity, natural resource management and emergency management into a single organisation. The functions and services provided by the LLS will include:

  • Agricultural production advice: supporting sustainable productive food and fibre industries;
  • Biodiversity and natural resources protection and enhancement;
  • Biosecurity services protecting New South Wales’ economy, environment and community from pests, weeds and disease;
  • Support for the people of NSW to deal with emergencies, in particular those related to biosecurity threats and natural disasters.

These functions and services are delivered through a combination of Commonwealth and State funding, grants, rates and user pays sources.

About the Program

The Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Program is a component of the 2015-16 Aboriginal ProgramRegional Service Delivery Plan. This Plan directs investment and services to LLS customersacross the Hunter LLS region.

The objectives of Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Program:

  • Build Aboriginal community capacity to identify priority issues and participate in improved NRM and invasive pest animal management on their land.
  • Build Aboriginal community capacity to undertake on-ground works on Aboriginal and other land.
  • Build Aboriginal community capacity to exchange cultural knowledge and information across generations and communities.
  • Provide targeted training opportunities for Aboriginal Land Management Teams.

This Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Programaims to support Aboriginal not-for-profit groups and organisations across the Hunter Local Land Services Region. Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 towards projects that focus on Aboriginal on-ground land management outcomes that provide capacity building, training and/ or employment of Aboriginal Land Management Teams.

This Program is funded through Catchment Action NSW, which has the following focus areas for investment:

  • Native vegetation
  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Threatened species
  • Aboriginal cultural heritage

It would be ideal for project applications submitted through this Program to include activities under each focus area listed above for delivery of outputs through Catchment Action NSW funding.

Hunter LLS is aiming to achieve at a minimum:

•3 Aboriginal Land Management Teams engaged

•2Aboriginal Land Management Teammembers employed and trained

•10ha on-ground management practices completed

•2 vegetation management plans prepared with Aboriginal Land Management Teams.

Eligibility

Groups or community organisations in the identified priorityareas, subject to:

  • The project must achieve Aboriginal on-ground land management outcomes including capacity building and training for Aboriginal Land Management Teams in the Hunter LLS region.
  • The proponents completing works for any previously funded projects.
  • The proposed works must be able to be completed by 30 June 2016.
  • LLS minimum standards for on-ground works being met (see page 6-7).
  • The proposed activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native Vegetation Act 2003, Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
  • Projects will not be funded where there are any group’s activities subject to an LLS, DPI, ICAC, or other legal investigation. Any conflict of interest with the business or any board, committee or staff member of Hunter LLS must be declared.
  • All current HLLS financial obligations are paid.

Unincorporated groups can access financial assistance however a tax invoice from a supplier (e.g. caterer, guest speaker) must be issued for payment directly to Local Land Services.

Types of Activities

The types of activities that can be funded under this Program include (but are not limited to):

  • Pest animal management
  • Conservation of native flora and fauna
  • Bush regeneration
  • vegetation management and conservation
  • seed collection and propagation
  • Cultural land/ sea management and conservation.

Each project funded under theAboriginal Land Management Team Grants Programmust also include:

  • Aproject planfor the proposed project area, which should include:
  • Property inspection
  • Outline key areas priority
  • Project timeframe and delivery schedule for coordination of implementing proposed activities for addressing key priority areas
  • Cooperation with other agencies, and landholders
  • Training and capacity building incorporated for ALMT members related to the project.
  • Review of project and maintenance plan for site – 5 years maintenance required.
  • Final report submitted to LLS by 30 June 2016.
  • At least one media opportunity (flyer, media release, online article, video etc) to help promote the project to the Aboriginal and wider community.

Types of activities that will not be fundedby LLSunder this program include:

  • Purely production oriented activities.
  • Major farm water supplies including irrigation.
  • Purely noxious weed control.
  • Purchase of machinery and computer hardware and software, where there is no demonstrated land use change.
  • Activities more appropriately funded by other bodies.
  • Activities that the land managers can reasonably be expected to undertake to ensure sustainable management of areas under their control.
  • Work that is undertaken before the project agreement for the proposal is signed or after the project agreement ends.
  • Projects that mainly beautify or improve amenity.
  • Standard boundary fencing that is the landholder’s normal responsibility.
  • Capital works, for example construction of buildings or viewing platforms to improve amenity.
  • Expert advice that could alternatively be provided by the LLS or other government agency.
  • Research.
  • Any works for mostly private benefit.
  • Activities that may be required due to: legal responsibilities, compliance with development consents and/or reasonable duty of care.
  • Activities that do not directly deliver on the specified HLLS strategic plan outcomes.

Assessment Process

Applications will be assessed by a panel against the following criteria:

  1. The likelihood that the project meets the objectives of the program.
  2. The proponent is committed to completing the project within a required duration, and undertaking the required ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
  3. Applicant has included an in-kind and cash contribution.
  4. Applicant can demonstrate that the project provides public and private benefit, and represents value for money.
  5. A risk assessment of the likelihood of a successful project outcome for funding provided.
  6. All current HLLS financial obligations are paid.

The LLS may contact applicants during the assessment process to confirm or clarify any information in the application form.All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment process.

Further rounds may be opened in 2015-16 if all funds are not allocated or other funds become available.

Where to get assistance?

Your Hunter LLS staff contact officer (as listed on page 1) is available to assist you with the development of your application, including providing advice on best practice management, design, costing, and developing a detailed map.

All applications must be accompanied by a project works map showing the location and type of proposed management activities on your property. This map will be prepared by your LLS contact officer, in consultation with you.

Applications for Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Programwill need to complete a Hunter LLS Aboriginal Grants Application Form available on Hunter LLS website at

Lodging Applications -

Applications can be lodged in two ways.

  1. Submit the original signed application to the LLS by 11 December 2015. Applications post marked this date will be accepted. Send applications to:

Aboriginal Land Management Teams Grants Program

Hunter Local Land Services

Private Bag 2010

Paterson NSW 2421

  1. Submit your application electronically by 11 December 2015 to

Electronically lodged applications must come from the applicant’s e-mail account and must include a copy of the LLS produced map. The subject line should include the following information:

HR_xxx-“Proponent surname”

(the HR_xxx project identifier will be provided by your LLS Officer)

------Applications that are sent directly to LLS staff will not be accepted. ------

Applicants will be provided with a map from an LLS officer detailing their project proposal after an initial site visitation and consultation to assist in developing their application. As map files can be large in size, please email your application and map separately to ensure the emails are transmitted by the due date but ensure to include the HR_XXX project identifier on all correspondence. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

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Aboriginal Land Management Team Grants Program – Grant Guidelines

Conditions of funding

Contracts

All Hunter LLS Grants will be delivered through an Agreement. A copy of the standard agreement letter is available to all applicants to review prior to submitting the application. Please contact the Hunter LLS office to access a copy of the standard agreement template.

The Agreement letter will need to be signed by the applicant and the land owner (If different). The landholder on the application should match the landholder that will sign the contract and this should also match landholder that will receive the Grant funds.

How will you be paid?

A payment schedule will be determined as part of funding agreement negotiations. Funds will generally be paid 40% on completion of the first milestone which will generally be the submission of a WHS management plan and baseline photos. The remainder of funds will paid on completion of agreed milestones with 10% being withheld for the submission and approval the final report.

All Grant payments from the Hunter LLS will be made during the 2015-16 financial year provided milestones are achieved. Milestone payments may require a site inspection by the Hunter LLS to verify completion of the milestone. A final report on the project outcomes will be required to receive the final payment.

Payment will be made on receipt of a signed ATO compliant tax invoice on completion of agreement milestones. GST registered Grantees will be paid 10% GST on top of the approved Grant amount. Applicants should discuss the implications of receiving funding from the Hunter LLS with a financial adviser prior to applying.

Monitoring and Reporting

All on-ground projects funded by the Hunter LLS will be required to provide before and after photos, and in some cases regular photo-point monitoring. The Hunter LLS has a guideline for photo monitoring availableon the website.

The Hunter LLSmay also require monitoring of groundcover using the step point monitoring method or native vegetation condition monitoring depending on the type of activities proposed.

All projects funded by the Hunter LLS may be included in moredetailed vegetation and/or soil condition monitoringundertaken by the Hunter LLS.

A final report on the project outcomes will be required to receive a final payment prior to 31 December 2016.

Further details of monitoring requirements and templates for reports are available from a Hunter LLS contact officer and will be made available to successful applicants.

Maintenance

All funded activities will require maintenance to ensure the outcomes are maintained. On-ground projects will generally be required to be maintained for 5 years, but exceptions may apply for community groups.

Public Liability Insurance

All funded projects must be prepared to maintain current Public Liability Insurance ($10 million) for the duration of the agreement. A copy of your certificate of currency should be provided with your project application. The Hunter LLS will not enter into an agreement with a proponent until a copy of your certificate of currency is supplied.

Disclosure of Information

The Hunter LLS has requirements with the Australian and NSW Government to provide spatial information and details of funded works. The Hunter LLSwill be required report spatially and on activities to these funding bodies, which may in turn be published on public websites. The Hunter LLS aims to provide information to the public spatially on achievements associated with public funds. Your project may be represented spatially e.g. point or polygon on catchment scale map in publicly released documents but no detailed information will be released.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

The Hunter LLS recommends that Aboriginal consultation be undertaken during the planning stage of all projects.

The Hunter LLS has Aboriginal staff that can assist you in contacting the appropriate person(s) or organisation.

Workplace Health and Safety

The first milestone payment will be linked to the completion of a WHS risk assessment and in some cases the completion of a Work Health and Safety Management Plan. The WHS Management Plan should document a Work Health and Safety risk assessment in accordance with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requirements. Hunter LLS staff can assist in preparing a risk assessment and Work Health and Safety Management Plan for projects.

Minimum standards for on-ground works

General

Proponents are required to successfully complete their project as agreed in the contract, and maintain the condition of their project site for the entire maintenance period required (5 years). For example, weed and pest animal control should be maintained at completed project level.

Fencing

All fencing (electric or standard) must be managed in a stock-proof condition for the term of the agreement. In addition the following standards apply:

  • Stock proof fencing to stabilise natural waterways:
  • Fence to be permanent and located a minimum distance back from the top of the high bank of 5m + the full height of the high bank from the streambed + an allowance for the rate of erosion versus stabilisation.
  • Stock proof fencing to manage nutrient runoff or to restore in-stream habitat:
  • Fence to be permanent and located a minimum distance back from the top of the high bank of 5m.
  • Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate native riparian vegetation:
  • Fence to be permanent and should be located a minimum distance back from the top of the high bank of 5-20m for riparian vegetation – to be negotiated with Hunter LLS contact officer.
  • Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate remnant native vegetation:
  • Fence is to be permanent. Fencing around single trees will generally not be funded.

Revegetation

All revegetation activities funded by the Hunter LLS must achieve and maintain at least an 80% survival and establishment rate and stock exclusion fencing must be installed where stock could potentially access the site. Local provenance seed/planting tubestock must be used on revegetation sites. Importantly, all areas revegetated through funding will be defined as ‘protected regrowth’ under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) and therefore cannot be cleared in the future. (For further information about the NV Act

In addition, the following standards apply to specific revegetation activities:

Revegetation of gullies, rivers and creeks: Any plantings along riparian lands must use local native species. Riparian revegetation projects should aim, if possible, to cover both sides of the flow line.
Revegetation for biodiversity and conservation purposes: A mix of local native species suitable for the site must be used. Wildlife corridors must link (be within 20m) of existing areas of remnant vegetation or established revegetation sites and must be at least 25 m wide or have an average width of at least 30m.

Structural works

This may include earthworks or construction activities for:

Gully filling/shaping,
Construction of diversion banks,
Construction of gully control structures/ dams,
Construction of concrete or rock flumes,
Rock revetment, groynes and bed control structures
In-stream works for enhancing aquatic habitat and/or controlling bed or bank erosion.
All structural works must be constructed to Hunter LLS standards and meet all regulatory requirements.

Soil Testing

Where soil testing is required, it must be carried out by a NATA accredited laboratory.

Provision of alternate stock water supplies

Alternate stock watering for protecting or regenerating native riparian vegetation or managing nutrient runoff may be required where stream bank vegetation is fenced. This may be achieved by installing additional stock water troughs, pipelines, tanks and pumps for a reticulated supply. The installation of additional stock water supply should be limited to providing water to areas that were previously supplied by the riparian area that has been fenced. All stock water works including provision of alternate stock water supply for sustainable grazing and implementing property plans must be technically sound and comply with the Native Vegetation Act, 2003.