The Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Applicant Guidelines 2016 is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people.
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Attribute this document as ‘Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Applicant Guidelines 2016, Commonwealth of Australia 2016’.
PART 1: ABOUT THE REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM...................................................................................................................................6
Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox.................................................................................................40
REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM APPLICANT GUIDELINES 2016 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThese Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Applicant Guidelines 2016 (the Guidelines) provide information to help organisations and individuals to prepare an Application for a Gully and Stream Bank remediation Project (Project) for the Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program (the Program).
Applicants are invited to submit an Application for a Project that targets priority connected systems containing high Gully density and/or vulnerable Stream Bank and riparian zones, in one or more of the priority Management Units within six priority Great Barrier Reef natural resource management regions.
To the extent that is feasible, Applications should demonstrate a focus within highly vulnerable priority areas in each Management Unit to achieve large scale change to sediment loss from Gully and Stream Bank channel systems.
To assist Applicants to plan their projects, these Guidelines and other key information will be available online from 14 November 2016. Applications must be submitted before the Closing Time of 2pm Queensland time (AEST) 15 December 2016.
REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM APPLICANT GUIDELINES 2016 4
KEY DOCUMENTSThe following documents are available online (http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion) to help you prepare your Application for funding under the Program:
• Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Applicant Guidelines 2016 (this document)
• Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Application Form• Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Toolbox • Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Frequently Asked Questions• Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Sample Funding Agreement – Part
A, B and C.
KEY DATESApplication Form and Guidelines available
Applications open
Applications close
Application assessment period
Projects announced
Acceptance of Funding Agreements
Projects must be completed before
14 November 2016
14 November 2016
2pm Queensland Time (AEST) 15 December 2016
January 2017
January - February 2017
January - February 2017
30 June 2022
REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM APPLICANT GUIDELINES 2016 5
PART 1: ABOUT THE REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM 1.1 BackgroundThe long term protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (the Reef) is the primary focus of the Australian Government’s $210 million Reef Trust. Reef Trust funds will be invested in a range of projects that address the highest priority threats to the Reef.
The Reef Trust is one of the key mechanisms assisting in the delivery of the Reef 2050 Plan, the Australian and Queensland Government’s overarching framework for protecting and managing the Great Barrier Reef from 2015 to 2050. The Reef Trust focuses on known critical areas for investment – improving water quality and coastal habitat along the Great Barrier Reef, controlling the current outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish, and protecting threatened and migratory species, particularly dugong and turtles.
The Reef Trust is delivered in a phased approach to ensure investments are informed by the most up to date information. Reef Trust investments are underpinned by a rigorous process that considers priority threats to be addressed, priority assets to be protected and the most cost-effective and relevant actions that will provide a lasting environmental benefit. This program is one investment in Reef Trust Phase IV. The Program builds on a Phase II investment being delivered across 2015-2018.
The Reef Trust Phase IV Investments have been informed by a Reef Trust gap analysis and were endorsed by the Reef 2050 Plan Independent Expert Panel. The Australian Government has worked in collaboration with the Queensland Government, science organisations, industry and natural resource management stakeholders to identify these priority components. The process to identify the Phase IV investments is summarised in Figure 1 and described in further detail in the Reef Trust Investment Strategy Phase IV.
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Figure 1: Approach for the identification of Phase IV InvestmentThe Scientific Consensus Statement 2013 indicated that sub-surface erosion (which includes Gully and Stream Bank Erosion) in the Reef catchments is the dominant source of fine sediment and associated nutrients delivered to the Reef lagoon. Fine sediment poses the highest risks to Reef ecosystems, as it reduces the amount of light available (which is central to the health and productivity of seagrasses and other plants) and can smother corals. The associated nutrients attached to sediments may also influence crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks. With changed land-use, grazing, cane production and mining, there has been a significant increase in erosion across the landscape alongside the Reef.
This Program will focus on nutrient and sediment run-off from extensive land-uses, through remediating Gully and Stream Bank Erosion in high-priority Management Units of the Reef catchments that deliver large sediment loads to the Reef lagoon. It will deliver on the Reef 2050 Plan water quality, biodiversity and ecosystem health themes, the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, and Reef Trust outcomes.
These investments will complement and build on existing actions being delivered across the Reef catchments and will be aligned with the Queensland Government’s initiatives. Further information on the Reef Trust and Reef Trust Phase IV investments can be found here: http://www.environment.gov.au/reef-trust.
1.2 Delivery of the Program The Program will address Gully and Stream Bank Erosion through coherent integrated projects delivered in connected systems of the identified high priority Management Units in the Burdekin, Fitzroy, Cape York, Mackay Whitsunday, Wet Tropics and Burnett-Mary natural resource management regions (Table 1; Figure 2). Gully and Stream Bank Erosion in these Management Units is known to deliver high rates of fine sediment to the Reef, as indicated by measurement and modelling of erosion and sediment transport processes.
The Program will provide funds through a competitive grants process to one or multiple Delivery Partners to work with landowners to deliver Gully and Stream Bank remediation actions across a range of landscapes in the Reef catchments.
Targeting Gully and Stream Bank Erosion with proactive interventions will build on the approaches undertaken in other programs, which have primarily focused on improving grazing land management practices to address soil erosion.
The Australian Government contribution to this Program will be $20 million over six years (2016-17 to 30 June 2022). This includes funding for technical advice and services to ensure the Program is informed by up-to-date information. The Australian Government is looking for Applications that consider appropriate collaborative and co-investment partnerships with the philanthropic sector, science organisations, and industry and natural resource management stakeholders for Phase IV investment, to complement and build on existing actions being delivered across the Reef catchments.
For this Program, erosion control Project Activities will focus on, where possible, targeting the causes and the ongoing effects of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion. Erosion control Project Activities will be implemented within connected Gully and Stream Channel systems (i.e. channel networks occurring within defined priority areas). Project Activities should be targeted (within each Management Unit) to high sediment contributing areas identified in the relevant Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPS) (as listed in Appendix B). Further information is also contained in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox. Focusing the spatial scale of erosion control activities to priority connected systems helps to ensure each project implements a sufficient scale of activities to potentially reduce runoff intensity and in-stream flow velocities. This helps to ensure erosion control efforts are more effective in reducing channel erosion and sediment transport to the Reef. Focusing Project Activities also helps to ensure that they are improving the ecological connectivity of riparian vegetation and habitat within landscapes.
Project Activities selected for Gully and Stream Bank Erosion control should focus on strategies which deliver the greatest reduction in sediment yield for the lowest cost per tonne of sediment and nutrient export avoided or reduced within connected systems in the landscape. Stream boundary erosion remediation should be undertaken acknowledging the landscape-scale causes of enhanced Stream erosion, with activities that address extended reaches of channels given preference over focused hard engineering works which fail to address the underlying causes of channel expansion.
Project Activities selected for Gully and Stream Bank Erosion control should emphasise revegetation strategies and low cost engineering options to erosion control, building on the latest research and knowledge to maximise cost effectiveness of erosion management at each site. Higher cost engineered solutions may be more suitable for stabilising rapidly eroding Gullies in particular areas of unstable soil,
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but must be justified on their cost-effectiveness of erosion control. Assisted natural regeneration should be considered, whereby weed and grazing management is employed to encourage the natural regeneration of native trees and shrubs. Applications may also address the stabilisation of in-channel storage deposits such as Gully deposits, benches and bars. Project Activities should include grazing and forage management only where that is important for controlling runoff into Gullies or for ensuring the legacy of Project Activities, focusing on landholder extension and not pasture renovation. Applications that include earthworks and engineering structures will need to justify that lower-cost solutions are not suitable. Applications should consider appropriate supporting Project Activities, such as fire and feral animal management, weed control, extension and community engagement, and land management agreements, to secure improvements in water quality and habitat connectivity into the future.
Delivery Partners are sought that will work with multiple properties and engage a number of parties (including landholders) to address Gully and Stream Bank Erosion to improve connectivity across the landscape. Options for long term maintenance of project outcomes should also be considered.
Applicants are encouraged to explore opportunities for co-investment as part of their Application. Identified Project partners that will be co-investing (in-kind or cash) must be outlined in the Application Form, including their roles and responsibilities. The successful Applicant will be responsible for the overall implementation of the Project.
This Program seeks to:
• reduce sediment entering the Reef from agricultural land-uses• test the use of remediation approaches across a range of Gully and Stream Bank environments to
guide investment in sediment reduction Programs across Reef catchments• increase habitat protection in riparian habitat • seek continual improvement of understanding and capacity to manage sediment losses• build a legacy of capacity to address erosion from these landscapes into the future.
The Program will build on existing investments, research and activities on Gully and Stream Bank remediation, including:
• Reef Trust Phase II Gully Erosion Control Programme • Reef Programme systems repair initiatives• Reef Trust Phase III grazing land management components • Queensland Government’s Major Integrated Projects in the Bowen Bogie Broken, the Tully Catchments
and additional initiatives focused in Cape York.
Priority spatial areas targeted through this ProgramMeasurement and modelling of catchment erosion rates, sediment sources and sediment transport rates has indicated that the priority Management Units included in the Program make high rates of Gully and Stream Bank contributions (per hectare) to fine sediment export, as listed below (Table 1) and as highlighted by blue borders in Figure 2. Applicants are invited to submit an Application for a Project that targets one or more system(s) of Gullies and Stream Banks within one or more of the priority Management Units. The Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox provides additional detail within each Management Unit to areas contributing high rates of fine sediment on the Reef.
Table 1: Priority areas targeted through this Program.
Natural Resource Management Region Management Unit Project focus
Cape York Normanby Gully Erosion, including along major rivers. Stream Bank Erosion along minor streams
Wet Tropics Herbert Gully and Stream Bank Erosion
Burdekin Bowen Bogie Gully Erosion in the catchments and along Stream
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Natural Resource Management Region Management Unit Project focus
Banks
East Burdekin Gully and Stream Bank Erosion
Lower Burdekin Gully and Stream Bank Erosion
Don Gully and Stream Bank Erosion
Fitzroy Fitzroy Gully and Stream Bank Erosion
Mackay Whitsunday A
Pioneer Stream Bank Erosion
O’Connell Stream Bank Erosion
Burnett-Mary Mary Stream Bank ErosionA. Applications should extend across both the Pioneer and O’Connell Management Units.
Figure 2: The Priority areas for the Program are the blue highlighted catchment Management Units. Management Unit boundaries for each region are available as shape files by request to Reef Trust.
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1.3 Responsibilities
REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM APPLICANT GUIDELINES 2016 10
Department of the Environment and EnergyThe Department of the Environment and Energy has principal responsibility for the administration of the Program.
The Department is, amongst other things, responsible for:
• the development of these Guidelines, the Application Form and the Assessment Process/Plan• assessment and moderation of Applications• making recommendations to the Minister on Delivery Partner(s)• administering contractual arrangements with the Technical Partner• coordinating interactions between the Technical Partner and Delivery Partner(s)• administering the operations of the Program in a timely, accountable and efficient manner• monitoring the contractual performance of Delivery Partner(s) and overall impact of the
implementation of on-ground activities• ensuring alignment and integration with the Queensland Government’s Reef initiatives.
Applicant An Applicant is, amongst other things, responsible for:
• developing and submitting an Application• identifying any appropriate partner/s or other opportunity for co-investment• providing letters of support with an Application that outline any proposed partnership and co-
investment arrangements • where necessary, obtaining the appropriate approvals (including for access to land from public or
private landholder(s), where the Applicant does not have primary responsibility for the land) • ensuring all information required in the Application Form is received by the Department before the
Closing Time.
Delivery Partner(s)An Applicant becomes a Delivery Partner if successful through the Assessment Process and awarded a Funding Agreement. A Delivery Partner is, amongst other things, responsible for:
• delivering the agreed Project in line with the Funding Agreement• planning and implementing appropriate Gully and Stream Bank remediation actions• once contracted, liaising with the Technical Partner through the Department, to ensure the latest
scientific evidence is included in delivering the project• monitoring and reporting to the Department on progress of activity implementation, outputs and
outcomes throughout the Project (see section 6.4)• ensuring the legacy of activities implemented through agreements with landholders, where the
Delivery Partner does not have primary responsibility for the land• acquittal of agreed Project in line with the obligations specified in the Funding Agreement.
Technical Partner The Department has contracted the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Griffith University and Australian National University Enterprise as the Technical Partner to provide technical advice regarding the latest Gully and Stream Bank Erosion science.
The Technical Partner is, amongst other things, responsible for:
• providing technical advice to the Department on this Program (including on these Guidelines, the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox and monitoring and evaluation tools)
• providing a technical assessment of Applications• once Funding Agreements are awarded, working with Delivery Partner(s) (through the Department), to
REEF TRUST PHASE IV GULLY AND STREAM BANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM APPLICANT GUIDELINES 2016 11
deliver appropriate remediation actions• providing advice on monitoring and evaluating results from management practice changes• evaluating the Program to provide advice to the Department on future Reef Trust Programs and
activities.
The Technical Partner will not be providing advice to Applicants on Applications whilst the Application period is open or during the assessment period. All contact regarding the Program, between the successful Delivery Partner(s) and the Technical Partner will occur once a Funding Agreement is entered into between the Department and the Delivery Partner(s).
1.4 Objectives and outcomesThe Program will deliver against the Reef Trust objective to:
Provide cost effective, strategic investment which goes above and beyond existing Programs to address key threats to the Great Barrier Reef and catchments for the long-term protection and conservation of the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef.
The objective of the Program is the long-term reduction in sediment run-off from high risk Gully and Stream Bank Erosion areas in the Reef catchments. More specifically, the Program contributes to the following outcomes of the Reef Trust:
• Reef Trust Outcome 1 of improving the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef from large scale land use, through reduction in fine sediment runoff
• Reef Trust Outcome 2 of improving the health and resilience of coastal habitats. Habitat protection includes coastal and inland riparian habitat through protection from erosion and improved connectivity maintaining and improving biodiversity and ecosystem health and resilience
• Reef Trust Outcome 3 of improving and protecting marine biodiversity through riparian habitat restoration and efforts to improve riparian-coastal ecosystem connectivity.
The Program aligns with the debiting purposes of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Reef Trust Special Account 2014) Determination 01, specifically clause 7 (1) (a) to make payments for projects to improve water quality and the coastal habitat in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Program outcomes are:
• activities that control and work to prevent Gully and Stream Bank Erosion within catchments that are delivering high rates of sediment to the Great Barrier Reef
• co-ordination of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion control activities to manage sub-surface sediment erosion within priority Management Units
• integration of science and technical advice to actively inform adaptive management of the Program • to support continuous improvement of our understanding and capacity to manage sediment losses
across a range of landscapes and climate zones to improve water quality• commitment to the ongoing management and sharing of knowledge for long term success to ensure
remediated Gullies and Stream Banks remain managed over time to reduce erosion• demonstration of cost-effective Gully and Stream Bank Erosion control activities.
The Department will use the following key performance indicators to measure the success of the Program:
• the cost per tonne of sediment yield reduced or avoided • the area of Gully Erosion managed by solutions that:
– control stock access – reduce erosion of soil from active Gullies (stabilising existing Gullies)– trap sediment within Gullies – prevent new Gullies from forming
• the area of Stream Bank Erosion managed by revegetation solutions that: – control livestock access
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– reduce erosion of soil from Stream Banks (efforts to stabilise banks)– reduce the mobilisation of in-stream sediment deposits– maintain or improve the area of riparian habitat, especially in large aggregations that can be
fenced collectively • the degree of targeting of Program activities within each priority Management Unit for reducing
sediment loads, including areas of extensive and active Gully and Stream Bank Erosion • the actual and potential physical effectiveness of Program activities to reduce Gully and Stream Bank
sediment yield, as indicated by monitoring and evaluation• demonstration of resilient and cost-effective treatments to grazing and cane industry stakeholders• extent of collaboration and partnerships in addressing Gully and Stream Bank Erosion• perception, gathered through stakeholder feedback, of the Program by grazing and cane industry and
environmental management stakeholders • the improvement in overall knowledge in managing losses of fine sediments to the Reef and increased
capacity to manage erosion into the future.
1.5 Grant funding available The Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program has notional grant funding of up to $19 million (GST exclusive) available over six years from 2016-17 to 30 June 2022.
The anticipated split over the six years is:
Anticipated funding (GST exclusive)
2016/17 $3,200,000
2017/18 $3,550,000
2018/19 $3,550,000
2019/20 $3,400,000
2020/21 $3,400,000
2021/2022 $1,900,000
TOTAL $19,000,000
Applicants should consider this profile in developing Application budgets.
1.6 TimingThe Program will open for Applications on 14 November 2016. To be considered, Applications must be submitted before 2pm Queensland time (AEST) on 15 December 2016 (Closing Time). Successful projects must be able to be completed by 30 June 2022.
Table 2: Indicative timing for implementation of the Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program
Key steps Timing
Applications open 14 November 2016
Applications close 2pm Queensland time (AEST) 15 December 2016
Assessment January 2017
Successful projects announced January - February 2017
Funding Agreements offered January - February 2017
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Key steps Timing
Funding Agreements executed and funding released
January - February 2017
Projects completed By 30 June 2022
PART 2: ELIGIBILITY 2.1 Eligibility CriteriaTo be eligible for consideration, Applications must first meet the following criteria:
• The Application must, subject to Section 5.2: be written in English
contain Australian units of measure
contain pricing or costing information in Australian dollars and show all figures in GST exclusive and inclusive amounts
be received by the Department before the Closing Time, unless otherwise arranged with or accepted by the Department in accordance with Section 5.1
be submitted on the Program Application Form
contain completed, accurate and signed declarations (see Section 2.2)
be certified by the individual applying or, in the case of the Applicant being an organisation, the office holder or an employee with the authority to represent the organisation.
• The Applicant must: a. be a legal entity able to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia (as
represented by the Department of the Environment and Energy), for instance: an individual (Australian citizen or permanent resident only)
a legally incorporated organisation
a trustee of a trust
a company
a partnership where each of the partners are legal entities
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, council or incorporated association
a government-related entity
an incorporated association or cooperative societyb. at the time of submitting an Application either:
have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST, if required to be registered by the Australian Tax Office or provide a Statement by a supplier prior to entering into a Funding Agreement with the Department, explaining why the Applicant is not required to have an ABN (using the template available on the Australian Taxation Office’s website at https://www.ato.gov.au/forms/statement-by-a-supplier-not-quoting-an-abn/).
• The Project must: start in the 2016 – 17 financial year
be for a minimum of three years and not exceed six years in duration
be planned for completion by 30 June 2022.
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• The Project site must: be within the priority areas specified in Section 1.2
be located within a priority Management Unit from which Gully and Stream Bank Erosion makes a high contribution to fine sediment exports to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.
A mapping tool is available in the online Application Form. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate that the on-ground works for which funding is being sought are within the identified Management Unit/s. Applicants are encouraged to address multiple sites within a single connected system of Gully and Stream Channels. In some cases the connected system may occur across more than one Management Unit.
2.2 Applicant declarations Applicants will be ineligible if they are unable to accurately make any of the declarations in the Application Form. Applicants should read the Applicant declarations prior to filling out an Application to ensure they are eligible to apply and can comply with Program requirements. Responses to declarations in eligible Applications will be considered in the Assessment Process. Also see Section 7.1 for Applicant responsibilities.
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PART 3: WHAT WILL THE PROGRAM FUND 3.1 Mandatory requirements of a ProjectThe following includes guidance on the characteristics a Project must have in order for an Applicant to be successful:
A Project must contribute to Reef Trust Outcome 1 and should also demonstrate contributions to Outcomes 2 and 3:
Outcome 1 – aiming to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from broad-scale land use to increase the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef
Outcome 2 – aiming to improve the health and resilience of coastal and riparian habitats
Outcome 3 – aiming to improve and protect marine biodiversity through riparian habitat restoration and efforts to improve riparian-coastal ecosystem connectivity.
A Project must outline commitments for building a legacy and capacity to address erosion from vulnerable landscapes into the future
The recommended range of Project Activities for each project site is described in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox and Section 3.4. These have been designed to provide optimum value for money and should be considered in relation to the extent and severity of erosion at each site, the cost of activities, and the suitability of activities for controlling erosion at each site
An Applicant must undertake monitoring of project sites before and after Project Activities as detailed in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox
An Applicant must demonstrate that Project Activities are occurring within one or more priority systems of Gully and Stream Channels networks
An Applicant must be requesting between $2 million and no more than $4 million (GST exclusive) of Program funding per natural resource management region.
3.2 Are multiple Applications allowed?The Department will only consider one Application per Applicant. The Application can cover multiple Management Units. If multiple Application Form submissions are received from an Applicant, only the last Application received before the Closing Time will be considered. Where an Application includes neighbouring Management Units, the Application should consider opportunities for identifying Project site/s and Project Activities within connected system/s across the Management Units.
3.3 How much funding can be requested per Application?Up to $19 million (GST exclusive) is available in grant funding for projects through this Program from 2016-17 to 2021-22.
Applicants can request between $2 million and no more than $4 million (GST exclusive) per natural resource management region.
The final allocations of funding will depend on the quality and variety of Applications received. The Australian Government reserves the right to adjust funding amounts between regions, Management Units, and projects. It is possible that Application budget profiles may need to be adjusted to better meet the priorities for investment and the available funding under the Program. There is no guarantee that all Management Units and/or Project Activities in an Application will be funded.
Where such budget adjustments are anticipated, Applicants will be consulted before Funding Agreements are finalised. Further information is outlined in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox.
3.4 What Project Activities will the Program fund?
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The range of Project Activities which may be funded under this Program are listed below. Project Activities must be selected and designed to provide cost-effective sediment reductions considering the costs and the expected effectiveness of actions in reducing sediment losses, as detailed in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox. Project Activities with higher unit costs (per hectare) require more detailed justification, and demonstration of appropriate technical expertise. Projects do not have to consist of all activities as their suitability will vary depending on the landscape. Applications should have an integrated project design and present a coherent plan of linked erosion control activities in a connected system involving as many of the land holdings in that area as feasible. Where possible, Applications should include a mixture of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Project Activities. Refer to the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox for further details.
On-ground activities are listed below.
i. Control livestock access (this activity is compulsory at sites on grazing land where erosion areas are not already fenced):
• fencing to remove or control livestock access to Gully, Stream Bank and riparian erosion areas. Fencing should be more than a minimum set-back from Gullies and Stream Bank edges as detailed in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox. The fenced area should be managed for the primary purpose of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion control, with livestock access excluded altogether to enable revegetation, or limited to short periods during the dry season as part of an agreed and documented grazing regime as described in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox
• off Stream watering points where project fencing will prevent stock accessing existing perennial surface water and no alternative water points are available.
ii. Revegetation of Gullies and Stream Banks by supporting natural recovery, or by active means (this activity is compulsory at all sites):
• re-establish and improve the condition of perennial grasses and native trees and shrubs around and within Gullies and Stream Banks, by ‘passive’ means including controlling livestock access, and weed control if necessary, possibly involving fire
• re-establish and improve locally-appropriate grasses, trees and shrubs around and within Gullies and Stream Banks, including on all areas where project activities disturb the soil surface, by ‘active’ means including soil preparation, seeding and/or planting.
iii. Gully and Stream Bank Erosion stabilisation works at Project Sites where livestock access will be controlled for the foreseeable future and revegetation is occurring (including but not limited to):
• porous check dams across drainage lines within Gully channels, to slow runoff and enable deposition of fine sediment, nutrients and seeds
• reshaping earth work including sodic soil stabilisation, surface soil replacement or re-engineering, composting and mulching provided they are demonstrated to be cost-effective
• head cut stabilisation structures provided they are demonstrated to be cost-effective
• other methods that can be justified as effective to:
– slow runoff into Gullies and Steam Channels– enhance revegetation of Gullies and Steam Banks– enable deposition of fine sediment, nutrients and seeds– reduce Gully and Stream Bank sediment yields.
iv. Conducting training and extension activities at Project Sites where activities above are undertaken.
This is required to support the legacy of Project Activities at Project Sites. Other landholders and erosion control researchers and practitioners are encouraged to participate in this training where that helps to achieve Program objectives. These activities may include:
• training in grazing land management and soil health, including pasture spelling and setting stocking rates
• training in infrastructure and riparian management to reduce surface runoff
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• voluntary land management agreements or similar instruments to improve and maintain the condition of grazing land draining into Gullies or channels with eroded Stream Banks or in non-eroded areas of soil types vulnerable to Gully erosion
• communicating and demonstrating outcomes and learning’s from erosion control activities.
Applicants should indicate how on-ground erosion control Project Activities will be selected and designed for each Project site, and how Project Sites will be selected so that the following are considered.
1. Maximise the reduction in fine sediment loads delivered to the Reef from agricultural land uses. Applicants should select Project Sites considering available information on the spatial patterns of erosion within each Management Unit. Project Sites should include areas of high Gully density and/or visibly eroding or vulnerable Stream Banks and riparian zones. Maps of Gully density are available in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox. A further source of information is the most recent Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIP) for each natural resource management regions (see Appendix B), which describe priority areas for sediment reduction with the region. Polygon shapefiles of WQIP sub-catchments are available on request from Reef Trust.
2. Targeting connectivity between Gully and Stream Banks. Erosion control activities should be assigned to sites within the same connected system of drainage channels. Where possible, it would be beneficial for Applications to implement both Gully and Stream Bank Erosion activities.
3. Promotion of revegetation of native grass, tree and shrub revegetation, in and around Gully channels and riparian zones of Stream Banks. This would be undertaken by controlling stock access and reducing the slope gradient or increasing hydraulic roughness to trap fine sediment, nutrients and seeds. Consideration should be given to the status of ecological succession/ landscape recovery of Gullies and Stream Banks as to the most appropriate strategy.
4. Improvement of ground cover and biomass of native grasses, trees and shrubs in areas draining into Gully features and riparian areas and channels with eroded Stream Banks. This will reduce surface and subsurface runoff by increasing rainfall interception and soil moisture storage and runoff detention.The selection and design of Project Activities for Project Sites should be informed by reference to the associated Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox found at: http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosionInnovative approaches to managing fine sediment losses from Gully and Stream Bank Erosion will also be considered based on value for money considerations within a given Management Unit.
Within the proposed Project budget, Applicants may include funding for Project administration such as Project planning, Project management meetings and running the Project. However, these costs must be 10 per cent or less of total Project cost. Administrative support and overheads such as:
• Project coordination and planning
• office accommodation
• office equipment hire
• phone/internet costs
• electricity costs
• printing/photocopying
• insurance costs
• costs associated with legally required documents such as site searches, permits etc.
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Will only be funded where the expenses can be clearly demonstrated to be additional to the normal day to day running costs of the organisation. They also need to be shown to relate directly to specific Project objectives, measurable outcomes and fit within a defined timeframe.
Applicants may also include funding for monitoring and reporting on Project progress and outcomes (including site assessments and other standard reporting requirements outlined in Section 6.4 and the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox). These costs are recommended to be five per cent of the total Project cost. Due to the nature and scale of this Program, consideration may be given to requests for more support for monitoring and reporting activities (a higher percentage than five per cent of the total Project cost) to assist with demonstrating outcomes. These requests will need to be detailed and well justified in the Application Form. It should be noted that the Delivery Partner(s) are responsible for the Gully and Stream Bank Erosion remediation outcomes from activities implemented under this Program. Delivery Partner(s) are expected to engage with landholders (where the Delivery Partner is not responsible for the land) and river boards (when necessary if the Stream is a public asset) to target areas with significant Gully and Stream Bank Erosion and work with landholders and relevant experts to address the issues.
What Project Activities have Program funding limitations?Funding is limited for:
salaries and labour expensesThis Program will only fund reasonable salary expenses where these expenses are proven to be directly attributable to the discrete Project and with measurable outputs in a monitoring and reporting plan. Funding for salaried positions related to the normal ongoing operations of an organisation will not be considered. Applications may include requests for funding to engage consultants or contractors with relevant knowledge and/or specialist expertise that is required to complete the Project. If the estimated cost of such work is more than $10,000 (GST exclusive), three written quotes must be obtained. A detailed description of the activities the contractors/ consultants will undertake is required. In all cases, contact, relevant experience and qualification details of consultants/contractors must be held by/provided to the Delivery Partner and, if requested, provided to the Department or any other authority.
purchase of equipmentAny purchase of plant and equipment must be cleared with the Department, and may be approved only where it is considered essential to the achievement of Project outcomes. Funding to lease such equipment must also be cleared with the Department and may be considered where it is essential to the completion of on-ground works or to achieve specific Project Activities.
food and accommodationFood and accommodation expenses will not be funded unless it is demonstrated that these are essential to achieving specific Project outputs detailed in the monitoring and reporting plan.
domestic travelFunding for domestic travel will only be considered when it is essential to the success of the project, and it is demonstrated that this travel would contribute to specific Project outputs included in the monitoring and reporting plan.
hire of vehiclesHire or leasing of vehicles will only be funded where it can be demonstrated that this is essential to completing specific Project phases or outputs detailed in the monitoring and reporting plan.
large scale engineering works including rock placement on Stream BanksThe use of earth works, rock placement, contour ripping or other engineering works may occur only by consultation with the technical partner at the site concept stage. The consultation and approval of these activities will consider the cost of design and implementation, and their effectiveness in reducing sediment delivery to Streams including the historical rate of erosion. These activities will comprise a small proportion of the program budget.
road drainage Erosion remediation around roads or track drainage will only be funded where it is demonstrated that these controls are necessary to control Gullying. In this instance considerable co-contributions are expected.
public and private infrastructure
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Stream Bank engineering works that specifically protect public and private infrastructure such as roads, fords, water storage and re-use infrastructure and buildings will only be funded where it is demonstrated that these controls are necessary to control very active Stream Bank erosion. These will need to be justified in terms of cost per tonne of sediment reduced or avoided. In this instance considerable co-contributions are expected.
seeding of areas draining to Gully heads but outside of Gully fencingWhere extensive seeding outside of Gully and Stream Bank fencing occurs (i.e. in grazed paddocks surrounding Gully or Stream Bank fencing) the landholder should fund that component.
3.5 What activities will NOT be funded?Funding will not be provided for:
activities outside the Management Units in Section 1.2
agricultural extension and training activities, other than at sites where physical Gully and Stream Bank Erosion remediation activities are in the process of occurring or have occurred
activities which are retrospective—activities that have been completed or commenced but not yet completed before entering into a Funding Agreement with the Department
activities required to be carried out by law or by a private contractual obligation
activities that are the responsibility or business of state, territory or local governments or of private land managers, including activities that are a legislative and regulatory responsibility (e.g. managing or controlling certain weeds or compliance activities). These activities may be undertaken in conjunction with funded activities provided they align with Program priorities and the Application identifies non-Australian Government funding for that part of the Project
activities required as compliance or government business or are part of an approval under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation (for example, the provision of an environmental offset under the EPBC Act)
activities likely to have a significant adverse impact on any matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act
activities likely to have significant adverse impact on Indigenous cultural heritage and have not received approval through relevant state or territory legislative requirements
planting species that are known to be, or are potential, environmental or agricultural weeds
activities that are primarily for the purpose of beautifying or improving amenity (e.g. landscaping picnic tables, shelters and paving)
activities/structures designed to manage irrigation and farm drainage such as a water retention/ storage and reuse system
applied research, tool building and/or modelling approaches except where it is demonstrably required to achieve on-ground outcomes in line with Program priorities and during the life of the project
the purposes of political or ideological advocacy (e.g. protesting against a development)
assets, unless identified in the budget table in the Application Form and agreed to by the Department. Delivery Partner(s) will be required to seek approval in writing from the Department prior to using Program funds for any additional asset purchases not identified in the original Application Form
primary monitoring, modelling or research based activities not part of, or subordinate to, an on-ground project
purchase of vehicles
international travel
volunteer labour
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devolved grants, where the Applicant applies for funds to distribute or pay for activities done by unidentified or broadly identified stakeholders according to the Applicant’s own criteria
development, rollout or ongoing support of industry best management practice frameworks (these have ongoing support that will be leveraged from the Queensland Government).
3.6 Applicant/third party contributions A contribution (cash or in-kind) from the Applicant and/or a third party towards the Project is encouraged. Where Gullies and/or Stream Banks are located on private land, landholders are required to continue to manage their land to control weeds and stock access, and therefore provide a cash or in-kind contribution into the future. Any cash or in-kind contributions (such as labour and time) are encouraged as they will be considered in the value with relevant money assessment of the Application.
An Applicant should form their own views on any partnering, co-investment or other arrangement involving a third party contribution, and should not rely on any information in these Guidelines or any other key documents as to the suitability of a third party to partner with the Applicant.
Where significant levels of cash or in-kind contributions are identified in an Application, as necessary for the implementation of the Project, the Applicant needs to secure the arrangement prior to submitting the Application. Letters of support should accompany the Application and proposed partners may be contacted to confirm the commitment. Cash or in-kind contribution may include:
• technical services to inform the development and delivery of Project Activities, weed and vegetation surveys, development of extension and training materials, monitoring and evaluation etc.
• co-investment partnerships, where partners will contribute funds or agree to fundraise for the implementation of the Project, provide in-kind contribution to support Project delivery or the delivery of components of the project.
The Department is aware of Third Party Organisations interested in providing support to further the outcomes from this Program and Australian Government investment by partnering with Delivery Partners following the awarding of funding under this Program. Third Party Organisations would work with Applicants found successful in this competitive grants Program through financial and/or in-kind support to achieve additional outcomes. Any contributions from Third Party Organisations will be in addition to funding awarded through this Program and will be for activities that are complementary, and in addition to, those activities outlined in an Application for funding through this Program.
What expenses are limited as Applicant/third party contributions?The following have limitations as Applicant/third party contributions to the project:
salaries and labour expenses
Reasonable salary expenses where these expenses are not proven to be directly attributable to the Project with measurable outputs in a monitoring and reporting plan and are related to the normal ongoing operations of an organisation. Third party in-kind contribution of labour should be calculated at no more than the award wage for that activity/profession.
administrative support and overheads
Administrative support and overheads (outlined and detailed in Section 3.4) where these expenses are not clearly demonstrated to be additional to the normal day-to-day running costs of the organisation and are not shown in the monitoring and reporting plan to relate directly to specific Project objectives, measurable outcomes and fit within a defined timeframe.
purchase of equipment/building infrastructure
Purchase and/or hire of plant and equipment and/or building of infrastructure where it is not proven that it is considered essential to the achievement of specific Project outcomes.
What expenses are not Applicant/third party contributions?The following will not be accepted as Applicant/third party contributions to the project:
funds from this Program or other Australian Government Programs
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expenses for work you have already undertaken or plan to undertake after the timeframe for the project.
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PART 4: APPLICATION AND PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS4.1 Project planning and management An Applicant or Delivery Partner for funding under the Program should undertake Project planning and management allowing them to:
• be able to obtain the written consent of the property owner(s) or property manager(s) to implement the project, where you do not own or manage the Project site(s), and provide evidence of this support to the Department on request, before beginning implementation at this site
• have or be able to obtain, where relevant, the support of the traditional owners and/or local Indigenous organisation and provide evidence of this support to the Department on request
• on request, be willing to meet with the Technical Partner and the Department to develop the monitoring and reporting plan and discuss the implementation of initial activities following entering into a Funding Agreement
• prior to initial activity implementation, and subsequently on an ongoing basis during the six monthly reporting period, provide the Department and Technical Partner with:
– Project Site initial monitoring and designs for review prior to intended commencement of those on-ground works, including site location
– land surface and Gully and Stream Bank vegetation cover and condition
– estimated length of at risk Stream Bank and riparian area
– estimated Gully depth and erosion rate of Stream Banks
– maps and designs of on-ground activities
– the estimated cost of sediment reduction (dollars per tonne per year)
– landholder viewpoints, advice and comments on activities, referring to the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox
– consider and respond to advice from the Department and/or Technical Partner in relation to refining the approach, activities, monitoring and reporting
• undertake and report on monitoring of Project Site(s) regarding works completion, land surface and Gully and Stream Bank vegetation cover and condition, landholder practices and viewpoints, advice and comments of activities, and share and promote the learning’s from the Project
• engage in continuous improvement of the Project in achieving its stated outcomes and contribute to the overall knowledge of management of fine sediments and capacity to address this into the future
• ensure that you have all the necessary resources (that is, your financial and/or In-kind Contributions) to undertake the Project. This may include materials, equipment, technical advice/expertise and commitment from partner organisations to provide financial or in-kind contributions
• obtain and provide letters of support from third party entities to the Department confirming commitment to co-contributions (financial and in-kind) essential for the achievement of Project outcomes
• ensure your Project complies with all requirements set out in any applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory, or local government legislation and regulations
• ensure all necessary planning, regulatory or other approvals and/or permits are in place prior to the agreed date of commencement, including approvals associated with the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage. These agreements are a necessary condition for work to proceed and therefore must be available to the Department
• undertake a risk assessment for the Project, identify appropriate strategies for reducing or managing
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risks and be prepared to implement appropriate mitigation strategies
• consider any potential biosecurity risks (the risk of spreading pests and diseases) relevant to the Project, and how these risks could be minimised
• provide a safe working environment and appropriate safety equipment for all Project participants and ensuring safe access to Project Sites where work is being carried out, in line with the relevant Commonwealth, state or territory Work Health and Safety legislation
• hold appropriate insurance, as relevant, during the Funding Agreement period and as long after as required by the Funding Agreement
• facilitate local grazing community support for and engagement in the Project as appropriate
• manage grazing within the Project Site(s) where such grazing would be detrimental to the establishment, condition and survival of vegetation
• be prepared for the regions climatic conditions and plan on-ground works accordingly
• minimise the disturbance to native herbaceous or woody vegetation whilst implementing Project Activities and consider how fire management may be implemented to maintain perennial vegetation composition
• consider how the Project outcomes will be managed over the long-term and incorporate methods to enable the legacy of activities undertaken through this Program.
4.2 Mapping An outline of the areas where Project Activities will be implemented must be included in the Application using the provided Mapping Tool. The precision of mapping may vary depending on the detail of the information available about Gullied and vulnerable/at risk Stream Bank and riparian areas.
When using the Mapping Tool it is preferable that Mapping Polygons are created showing the best estimate of the area to be addressed. Instructions are provided in the Application Form and also in the Application Mapping Tool guides (http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion). If this isn’t possible, at a minimum, the Mapping Polygons should indicate the proposed areas where you plan to seek landholder agreement to undertake Project Activities (e.g. this may be at a whole or part of farm scale), and an estimate of the Gully and Stream Bank area to be covered by the specified activities.
The Mapping Polygons provided will be used in the Assessment Process to determine the eligibility of the Application and a score against the Assessment Criteria (see Section 5.3).
For the purposes of assisting Applicants and for project planning, shapefiles describing the boundaries of the priority Management Units are available by request to Reef Trust. Shapefiles describing the boundaries of high priority areas within these Management units are defined in respective Water Quality Improvement Plans with links provided in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox.
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PART 5: APPLICATION AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS 5.1 How to applyThe Application period opens 14 November 2016 and closes 2pm Queensland time (AEST) on 15 December 2016 (Closing Time).
Use the following process to submit an Application for funding:
1. Read these Guidelines, the Application Form (including declarations at the end of the Application Form), the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox, the Key Documents and any other relevant information made available on the Department’s website http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion
2. Complete the online Application Form, available at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion. Only one Application per Applicant will be assessed
3. Use the Mapping Tool to identify the areas where Project Activities will be located
4. Submit the completed Application Form online prior to Closing Time. Please ensure that you retain a copy of your Application and a record of the Application submission number.
It is advised that Applicants take note of the word limits specified in the Application Form and allow extra time to ensure information about Project Activities can be conveyed effectively within the allocated character limit. Words included that are over the allocated amount will not be considered in the Assessment Process. Please contact the Department well before Closing Time if any assistance is required to complete the form.
If, for any reason, you cannot submit your Application online, it is your responsibility to contact the Department by phone on 1800 852 975 or by email at [email protected] to make alternative arrangements and to ensure that the Application is received at the Department’s address in Canberra before the Closing Time (see Section 5.2 Late Applications).
Please note that each downloaded Application Form has a unique identifier embedded into it as a means to exclude duplicate submissions.
If you have made arrangements with the Department to submit a hard copy Application Form it must be received by the Department before Closing Time.
Hard copy Applications are to be posted or delivered as follows:
Post to: Reef Trust Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment and Energy GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601
Courier deliveries to: Reef Trust Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment and Energy Reception, Nishi Building 25 Edinburgh Ave, Level 1 ACT 2601
Where an Application is submitted by an organisation (that is, not an individual), submission of the Application Form electronically will mean the Application Form is deemed to have been signed and approved by an authorised officer of that organisation. Where an organisation has arranged with the Department to submit a hard copy Application, it must be signed and approved by an authorised officer (who warrants that they are authorised to make such a submission on behalf of the organisation) of the organisation before submission.
Amendments to submitted Applications Amendments to submitted Application Forms can only be made before the Closing Time. If you need to alter your Application before the Closing Time, please contact the Department by email on [email protected]. A new Application with the altered information will need to be submitted
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by the Applicant with a written request from the Applicant for the Department to withdraw the original Application received.
The Department has no obligation to accept amendments to submitted Application Forms after the Closing Time. Any requested changes will be considered by the Department, however, the decision to accept or reject the requested change will be made at the Department’s discretion and will be final. This does not remove the Applicant’s obligations regarding the accuracy of their Application.
Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and lodgement of an Application and in respect of any discussions, enquiries or work undertaken prior to signing a Funding Agreement.
If you have any questions about the Application process or other aspects of the Program, please contact the Department on:
What to includeAll Applications will be assessed on the basis of information provided in the Application Form. Therefore, it is important that your Application provides all the relevant information requested.
Applicants should consider all potential risks to the Project and be able to identify and be prepared to implement appropriate mitigation strategies. Applicants are required to conduct a self-assessment of the potential risks in conducting their Projects and provide details in the Application Form.
Where significant levels of cash or in-kind contributions are identified in an Application, as necessary for the implementation of the Project, the Applicant needs to secure the arrangement prior to submitting the Application. Letters of support should accompany the Application, and proposed partners may be contacted to confirm the commitment.
Please refer to the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion for further details on what to include in an Application.
5.2 Late ApplicationsSubject to this section, to be eligible for consideration, Applications must be received by the Department before the Closing Time.
The Department has no obligation to accept, and takes no responsibility for Applications received after the Closing Time (late Application). The judgement of the Department as to the time an Application was received will be final.
Any Application received by the Department after the Closing Time (if lodged electronically or delivered by post or courier), will be considered late and will be registered separately. It is the Department’s intention to exclude late Applications except where an Application is late due to a Departmental administrative error.
5.3 Assessment Criteria The Assessment Criteria set out in the table below will be used when assessing the merit of Applications. An Applicant will receive a score out of 10 against each of the Assessment Criteria which will contribute to an overall score for the Application.
Table 3:Applications will be scored and ranked using these Assessment Criteria
Assessment Criteria
Considerations
1. Demonstrated an appropriate and adequately justified approach to Gully and Stream Bank remediation
In assessing the appropriateness of the approach and the justifications, consideration will be given to the following factors:
1.1 the Project aligns with the Program outcomes and key performance indicators in Section 1.4 and Section 3.1
1.2 demonstrated capacity to design Project Activities that will reduce
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Gully and Stream Bank Erosion within priority landscapes
1.3 consideration and design of appropriate Project Activities (as detailed in the Gully Stream Bank Toolbox) with respect to relevant environmental, natural resource management, or conservation plans, initiatives, Programs or advice (examples of relevant plans and strategies are listed in Appendix B)
1.4 cost effective targeting of high volumes of fine sediment contributing to the Reef from Gully and Stream Bank systems.
2. Demonstrated capacity to deliver
In assessing the capacity of the Applicant to deliver, consideration will be given to how the Applicant has demonstrated:
2.1 appropriate governance arrangements to deliver the Project, including timeframes, budget, capacity for reporting and scale and type of Project
2.2 the extent of the Applicant’s knowledge, skills and past experience in efficiently and effectively delivering environmental projects, including government grants, and how the Applicant’s skills, capacity and resources will successfully deliver the project
2.3 the technical capacity of organisations to design and deliver erosion control works and/or the technical expertise sourced
2.4 the way in which relevant partnerships will operate administratively and practically and the benefit they will provide to the Project. If relevant, how any collaborations between Project partners and/or across tenures will be managed
2.5 that the Applicant has or will receive all necessary approvals, including the permission of private landholders and regulatory approvals.
3. Likelihood of success and risk management
The Application should demonstrate sound risk consideration, including:
3.1 that potential external risks to the Project have been considered and appropriate mitigation strategies prepared
3.2 that the Project is reasonably likely to succeed in its aim, design, and timeframes
3.3 a plan for ongoing maintenance of project infrastructure (e.g. fences; rock chutes) commensurate with the design life of the infrastructure.
4. Value with relevant money
The Application should demonstrate that the total Project budget represents value with relevant money, taking into account:
4.1 the Project budget meets the criteria in the Guidelines4.2 the Project budget contains an adequate level of detail 4.3 the area or length of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion that will be
controlled by the Project, Project costs and value for money4.4 the Project budget is consistent with the Project Activities and
estimated costs provided in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox4.5 the funding requested is adequately justified as representing cost-
effective erosion control (unit cost per tonne reduced or avoided) with respect to the Project’s scale, Project Site location(s) and intended
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Assessment Criteria
Considerations
outcomes, including the estimated magnitude of reduction of fine sediment losses
4.6 the level of financial and/or In-kind Contribution to be provided by the Applicant, Project partners, third parties or other sources is relevant and is sufficient to achieve Project outcomes
4.7 the level of risk associated with an Applicant or its Project.
5.4 Assessment ProcessThe Department is committed to ensuring that the process for funding Projects under the Program is fair and in accordance with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines. The Assessment Process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor to ensure processes are robust, transparent and equitable.
The Department may contact Applicants during the Assessment Process to seek clarification about the Application, especially where the information provided in the Application is ambiguous, or where contradictory statements are made. The Department reserves the right to accept or disregard additional information provided by the Applicant and will not consider responses which materially improve or amend an Applicant’s original Application.
Receipt and registration Once an Application is submitted, an email receipt will be generated. For hard copy Applications, Applicants will be notified in writing to confirm the Department’s receipt of the Application.
Eligibility of ApplicationsAll Applications will undergo an eligibility assessment to confirm that all Eligibility Criteria have been met (Section 2.1). Applications that do not meet the Eligibility Criteria will be deemed ineligible and will not proceed to the subsequent stage of the Assessment Process.
Detailed assessmentThe Department reserves the right to, at its absolute discretion, exclude from further consideration those Applications that do not contain sufficient information on which to make an assessment. Applications that meet all Eligibility Criteria will be assessed in a competitive, merit based process, on the extent to which they address the Assessment Criteria and meet all mandatory requirements. This assessment will determine whether the eligible Application represents an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of Commonwealth resources, as required by Commonwealth legislation, and whether any specific requirements will need to be imposed as a condition of funding. The Applicant’s response to the declaration requirements will also be considered (Section 2.2).
Applications for funding will be assessed by Australian Government officers and employees (which may include staff from various Commonwealth agencies) and the Technical Partner. The Department may, as required, seek additional advice to assist in making their assessment, including information about the Applicant such as the Applicant’s previous performance in similar Programs. Advice may be sought from within the Department, or across the Australian Government, as required. This advice may include spatial information or other data held by the Australian Government that is relevant to the Assessment Process. Applicants should provide accurate mapping polygons of the Project Activity sites (using the mapping tool provided) to ensure accuracy in spatial assessment of the proposed Project Activities against criterion 1. Policy advice on the adequacy of Applications may also be sought from relevant Australian and Queensland Government Departments.
The Department may also contact any third party or partner contributions nominated in the Application to confirm their involvement in the Project (financial and in-kind).
Department’s rights to make independent inquiries
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The Department may make independent inquiries about any of the matters that may be relevant to the evaluation of any Application (including past performance of the Applicant and any associated entities forming part of the Application or a Project) and may take this into consideration when assessing Applications.
Unintentional errorsIf the Department considers that there is an unintentional error in an Application, the Department may give the Applicant an opportunity to correct the error. If the Department gives an Applicant an opportunity to correct an unintentional error of form, it will give the same opportunity to all Applicants in the same position.
Security, probity and financial checksThe Department may conduct such security, probity and financial (including credit) checks as it deems necessary on an Applicant or any associated entity, or their officers, employees or agents, for the purpose of evaluating Applications or at any other stage of the Assessment Process. These checks may require individuals to sign forms verifying information relating to that individual and authorising the provision of confidential or personal information.
Applicants must provide, at their own cost, all reasonable assistance required by the Department in undertaking and conducting the security, probity and financial checks.
The Department reserves the right to request financial statements and other information relevant to determining the financial viability of Applicants or their associated entities.
5.5 Moderation PanelA Moderation Panel, including Australian Government officials and the Technical Panel and where relevant may also include the Queensland Government and third party organisations interested in providing co-contribution, will consider the assessed Applications prior to advice being provided to the Minister. The Moderation Panel will be advised by a probity advisor. In order to fully consider the benefits and risks of an Application, the Moderation Panel may also take into account other factors, including for example:
• commitments and investments made by the Australian Government and Queensland Government • the focus of Applications relative to the funding available• the distribution of Applications across the six natural resource management regions and associated
Management Units• effective partnerships and collaboration in achieving erosion outcomes across the landscape• the extent to which Applications complement and support projects already funded and/or other
Applications submitted in the round• the spatial and environmental context, including climatic factors and landscape use• socio-economic factors which may influence outcomes• the balance of organisation and Project types.
The Moderation Panel may consider prioritising funding amongst priority Management Units, based on scientific evidence and advice from the Technical Partner, relating to: • the total Gully and Stream Bank Erosion contribution to fine sediment export (tonne per year) to the
Great Barrier Reef • the area and length-specific Gully and Stream Bank Erosion contribution (tonne per hectare per year
and tonne per kilometre per year) of priority areas • the degree to which the Application demonstrates physical connectivity between erosion control
activities within connected systems of Gully and Stream Bank Erosion • the viability to undertake specified erosion control activities in those areas.The Australian Government reserves the right to run additional funding rounds or activities relating to the Program in the event that gaps remain in the Program, or additional funding is sourced.
The Moderation Panel will consider and recommend where refining the scope, scale, activities, funding amount and/or funding profile of the project would better achieve the Program outcomes. This will be subject to negotiations with Applicants, where relevant, following the final approval of funding. The
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Moderation Panel may also seek alignment with complementary projects in order to maximise outcomes.
The Moderation Panel will make recommendations to the Minister on the projects considered suitable for funding.
Final approval of FundingFollowing the deliberations of the Moderation Panel, the Department will provide advice to the Minister on the merits of each project for final approval of funding.
The Minister will consider the recommended projects, relative to the funding available. The Minister will make the final determination on which projects receive funding and no further negotiations will be entered into. For projects with multiple Management Units, the Minister may approve selected Management Units within the project.
The Department may, at its sole and absolute discretion, revisit the Assessment Process in exceptional circumstances.
In selecting projects to receive funding, the Minister may select strategic or exceptional projects from outside the competitive funding round, provided such projects meet the objectives of the Program.
The competitive nature of the Program means that not all eligible Applications may be funded.
Notification of assessment outcomesAfter the Minister has approved Applications for funding, all Applicants will be informed in writing (via email or mail), whether or not their Application has been successful. All Applicants may request feedback on their Application (see Part 8 for the Department’s contact details), with debriefings offered to Applicants after the Funding Agreements with Delivery Partners have been signed.
The identity of successful Applicants will be published on the Department’s website, usually once a formal announcement is made.
Nothing in these Guidelines is to be construed as to give rise to any contractual obligations, express or implied. No conduct or statement made by the Department or the Minister prior to the execution of a Funding Agreement between the Department and a successful Applicant is to be construed as giving rise to a contract or undertaking of any kind (including without limitation, an undertaking that could give rise to an action in negligence or estoppel).
Third Party ContributionA Third Party Organisation may contact interested Applicants deemed successful through this competitive grants process following the formal announcement to seek interest in potential co-funding of complementary project activities
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PART 6: CONDITIONS OF FUNDING6.1 The Funding AgreementSuccessful Applicants must enter into a legally binding Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth Government within the timeframe specified in the letter of offer provided to successful Applicants.
A sample Funding Agreement is available on the Department’s website at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion. The sample Funding Agreement sets out, among other things, the general reporting, promotional and auditing terms under which funding is provided and will apply to all successful Applications. Additional requirements may vary between Projects and will be outlined in the Project schedule to be attached to the Funding Agreement.
6.2 Commencement date The Project commencement date is the date that the signed (by the official contact) Funding Agreement is countersigned by the Australian Government delegate (the Funding Agreement is ‘executed’). The Department will work with successful Applicants with the aim of having Funding Agreements in place by the end of January 2017. A copy of the executed Funding Agreement will be returned to successful Applicants for its records.
6.3 Payment of fundingFollowing the execution of the Funding Agreement, funds will be paid in accordance with the agreed milestones and payment schedules in the Funding Agreement, provided any conditions required before the commencement of the Project are met, as set out in the Funding Agreement.
A Delivery Partner must not commence work on the Project before a Funding Agreement is executed. Payment will not be backdated for activities that commenced before the execution of the Funding Agreement, and no payments will be made unless a Funding Agreement has been executed. The Funding Agreement will provide for the Department to seek repayment of funds that are found not to have been spent in accordance with the purposes specified in the Funding Agreement.
Before any payments are made, Delivery Partner(s) will be required to provide evidence of meeting the associated obligations and conditions for payment set out in the Funding Agreement.
6.4 Monitoring, reporting, record keeping and acquittalIn line with standard Australian Government audit and evaluation requirements, all funded projects will be subject to financial and performance monitoring and evaluation to ensure that they are meeting specified milestones and performance indicators as detailed in the associated Funding Agreement.
Monitoring and reporting requirements are outlined in the Funding Agreement and the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox found at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion. Delivery Partner(s) are required to provide the following information and reports to the Australian Government, and additional information on request:
• an online monitoring and reporting plan and Project Activity schedule when the Project begins using the Department’s online Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Tool (MERIT)
• an online progress report every six months during the Project, including reporting on Project Activities, outputs and outcomes. Information required to be provided may include, where relevant (further details in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox):– site characteristics, maps of Project Site/s, design overviews and costs of on-ground activities
planned for the coming period, and expected sediment reductions– monitoring of surface, Gully and Stream Bank vegetation cover and condition, including photos,
before and after erosion control activities at each site and in nearby non-treated (control) sites, and landholder perspectives of activities, using templates provided
– Paddock to Reef grazing benchmarking and riparian benchmarking questions, undertaken with the landholder
• annual financial reports and annual independently audited financial statement(s)
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• a final Project report, due within 40 business days of the agreed completion date for the Project, providing evidence of practical completion, and demonstrating the results and expenditure of your Project on completion.
Information about how to register and use the MERIT online reporting tool as well as information about other reporting requirements will be sent to you as soon as possible after the Project commencement date.
Given the nature and scale of the Program, Delivery Partners will be asked to provide specific data and other evidence as part of their reporting requirements, in a manner agreed and specified in the Funding Agreement. Evidence will include tangible demonstration of achievement of Project Activities in the approved Monitoring and Reporting Plan and photographic evidence of the progress and completion of funded Project Activities.
Delivery Partners will be required to keep written records of the delivery of Project Activities and monitor the results. This information will help Delivery Partners to evaluate and report on the success of their Project. Staff from the Department and the Technical Partner may contact Delivery Partner(s) to check how a Project is progressing, or to arrange a visit to Project Sites. Delivery Partners must also keep proper accounting records for all Project costs, including cash and in-kind contributions. Delivery Partners will have to account for expenditure of Program funds received.
Project information such as the outputs, outcomes and location of Project Activities may be made public in line with the Principles on open public sector information, available at http://www.oaic.gov.au/information-policy/information-policy-resources/information-policy-agency-resources/principles-on-open-public-sector-information.
Projects will also be required to report annually to the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan Paddock to Reef monitoring and modelling Program.
General guidance provided for the amount of funds for monitoring and reporting requirements is five per cent of the total Project cost. Given that this Program is a proof of concept for Gully and Stream Bank and riparian erosion management which may be extended following an evaluation of effectiveness, Applicants can request a reasonable level of additional support (a higher percentage than five per cent of the total Project cost) for monitoring and reporting in the Application. The justifications for, and validity, of this request will be considered through the Assessment Process. Further information regarding monitoring and reporting requirements can be found in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox.
6.5 Project delaysIn the event of Project delays the Funding Agreement will require a Delivery Partner(s) to notify the Department in writing of the delay, setting out the reason for the delay and the method and timeline for rectification of the delay. The Department will work with Delivery Partner(s) to ensure that, wherever possible, delays can be rectified and do not result in the termination of the Project.
6.6 Project review If, during the life of the Funding Agreement, a Delivery Partner undergoes a significant change to its organisational structure, resources, or circumstances, such as an amalgamation with another organisation, the Delivery Partner must inform the Department in writing. The Department may carry out a review and assess whether the Project governed by a Funding Agreement continues to represent value with relevant money. Following that review, the Department may:
• reduce the amount of funding payments or the scope of the Project to help the Delivery Partner complete the Project efficiently
• terminate the relevant Funding Agreement if the Project is no longer considered to represent value with relevant money.
6.7 Tax implicationsThe Goods and Services Tax (GST) is generally applicable to Funding Agreements where the Applicant is registered for GST, or required to be, and the payment is considered subject to GST. There may be tax implications resulting from receipt of grant funds. It is strongly recommended that Applicants consult the Australian Taxation Office or seek professional advice on any taxation implications that may arise from participation in the Program.
6.8 Insurance
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Successful Applicants will be required to ensure that, at the time of entering into the Funding Agreement, the Applicant holds the required insurance(s) for the level and duration specified in the Funding Agreement. The Department may, following execution of a Funding Agreement, require the Delivery Partner(s) to provide copies of the relevant certificates of currency for their insurance.
6.9 Promotion and publicitySuccessful Applicants must agree to acknowledge Australian Government and Reef Trust support. Any signage or publications related to the Project must carry an appropriate Australian Government and Reef Trust logo (Reef Trust Branding Guidelines advising on the promotion of Projects will be supplied to Delivery Partner(s)). The Australian Government reserves the right to publicly disclose information about the Project in any promotional material in a manner agreed, and specified, in the Funding Agreement.
6.10 Termination for false or misleading information Applicants should note that Projects may be terminated if the Department identifies that an Applicant provided false or misleading information in its Application.
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PART 7: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 Applicant rights and responsibilitiesGeneral obligations In addition to the responsibilities of an Applicant outlined elsewhere in these Guidelines, it is the responsibility of the Applicant to:
fully and properly inform themselves of the requirements of the Program, these Guidelines, the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox and other key documents, and the requirements of the Application process, including by checking the Department’s website regularly for updates
ensure that their Application is complete and accurate
ensure their Application is received by the Department before the Closing Time
identify any information contained within their Application, which they consider should be treated as confidential, and provide reasons for the request
keep a copy of their Application and any attachments for their records
after submitting their Application, promptly inform the Department of any changes to their circumstances, which may affect their Application or their eligibility for funding under the Program.
Conflict of interest Applicants are required to declare, as part of their Application, existing or perceived conflicts of interest that would, or may impact on, or prevent the Applicant proceeding with the Project or any Funding Agreement it may enter into with the Australian Government.
Where an Applicant subsequently identifies that an actual, apparent, or potential conflict of interest exists or might arise in relation to their Application for funding, the Applicant must inform the Department in writing immediately.
A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the Applicant or any of its personnel:
• has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is able to influence the Application Assessment Process, such as a Departmental staff member
• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation which is likely to interfere with or restrict the Applicant in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently
• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal gain as a result of the granting of funding under the Program.
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Risk, costs and expenseThe Applicant’s participation in any stage of the Application process, or in relation to any matter concerning the process, is at the Applicant’s sole risk, cost and expense. The Department will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by an Applicant in preparing or lodging an Application or in taking part in the process or the Program. A Delivery Partner(s) will be fully responsible for implementing and delivering their Project/s funded under the Program.
The Australian Government will not accept responsibility for any misunderstanding arising from the failure by the Applicant to comply with these Guidelines, or arising from any discrepancies, ambiguities, inconsistencies or errors in their Application or in these Guidelines.
False and misleading informationApplicants should be aware that the giving of false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) Applicants are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted in their Application. Applicants must not provide inadequate, false or misleading information in their Applications. If an Applicant is found to have provided inadequate, false or misleading information, its Application may be excluded from the Assessment Process.
If an Applicant discovers any material discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or error in their Application, they must immediately bring it to the attention of the Department via [1800 852 975] or via email to [email protected].
If an Applicant is found to have provided inadequate, false or misleading information, its Application may be excluded from the Assessment Process.
Other responsibilitiesApplicants must not, and must ensure their officers, employees, agents and advisers do not, in relation to the preparation, lodgement or assessment of Applications:
• make false or misleading or deceptive claims or statements• improperly obtain confidential information• receive improper assistance from any existing or former officers or employees, or contractors of the
Department• engage in collusive behavior, anti-competitive conduct, unlawful, unethical or other similar conduct
with any other Applicant or other person • attempt to improperly influence an officer or employee of the Department, or violate any applicable
laws regarding the offering of inducements• approach any officer or employee of the Department other than as expressly set out in these
Guidelines• furnish any information, make any statement or issue any document or other written or printed
material concerning the acceptance of any Application in response to these Guidelines for publication in any media without the prior written approval of the Department.
Basis of submitting Application By submitting an Application, an Applicant will be deemed to acknowledge that:
• it has examined these Guidelines and any documents referred to in the Guidelines and any other information made available in writing by the Department to Applicants for the purpose of participating in this Application process
• to the maximum extent permitted by law, neither the Department, nor its officers, employees, advisers or agents will, in any way, be liable to any person or body for any loss, damage, claim, cost or expense of any nature arising in any way out of, or in connection with, the statements, opinions, projections, forecasts or other representations, actual or implied, contained in, or omitted from, this Application process or by reason of any reliance on them by any person or body
• it has sought and examined all necessary information which is obtainable by making reasonable enquiries relevant to the Department’s requirements including the risks and other circumstances which may affect an Application
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• it did not rely on any express or implied statement, warranty or representation, whether oral, written, or otherwise made by, or on behalf of, the Department, other than as expressly contained in these Guidelines or any addendums or amendments to the Guidelines issued by the Department
• it did not use the improper assistance of any existing or former officers, employees or contractors of the Department in preparing its Application
• it has satisfied itself as to the correctness and sufficiency of its Application• it will comply with the terms and conditions set out in these Guidelines (or any addendums).
7.2 The Australian Government’s rights and responsibilities General principles The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the process for providing funding under Programs is fair and in accordance with published Guidelines.
Fairness and impartiality: Applicants will be treated equally and have the same opportunity to access information and advice.
Consistency and transparency of process: Applications will be evaluated in a systematic manner against the explicit predetermined Assessment Criteria.
Security and confidentiality: the processes adopted for receiving and managing Applicant information will ensure the security and confidentiality of information, as appropriate.
Identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest: staff involved in the Application and Assessment Process are required to declare and address any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest prior to providing any advice or assessment.
Circumstances for waiving/amending criteria or process: the Australian Government is committed to ensuring the process for providing funding under this Program is transparent and in accordance with these published Guidelines.
The Department will not accept responsibility for any misunderstanding arising from the failure by an Applicant to comply with these Guidelines, or arising from any discrepancies, ambiguities, inconsistencies or errors in their Application.
ReservationsWithout limiting its rights at law or elsewhere in these Guidelines, the Department may, at any time:
• amend these Guidelines, including the form of the Funding Agreement
• change the structure and timing of the Program or the Application process
• suspend, defer, vary or discontinue the Program or any part of it
• exclude an Applicant, if the Department becomes aware that an Applicant:
is or becomes bankrupt or insolvent (whichever is applicable)
has made false declarations in documents that relate to this Program or its Application
does not satisfy, or ceases to satisfy, one or more of the Eligibility Criteria
has an overdue final report and/or acquittal for a Department grant, unless sound reasons can be provided as to why this information is overdue
• exclude an Application if:
it is incomplete
it does not comply with the requirements in these Guidelines
it is clearly uncompetitive when compared with other Applications received
• request further information from an Applicant, including in revised costing information
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• allow an Applicant to remedy any discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or error in an Application
• accept or disregard clarification information provided by an Applicant
• determine at any stage, a shortlist of Applicants
• enter into negotiations with one or more Applicants (including parallel negotiations with more than one Applicant or negotiations with all Applicants without shortlisting)
• discontinue negotiations with any Applicant at any time for any reason
• provide additional information or clarification to Applicants
• negotiate with any person who is not an Applicant, and enter into a Funding Agreement with that person on such terms as the Department in its absolute discretion accepts.
No warranty by DepartmentThe Department believes the contents of Guidelines to be accurate at the date of these Guidelines (or if no date is specified, the date the Guidelines are issued). The accuracy of any statements, contained in these Guidelines may change. Where any statement relates to future matters, no steps have been taken to verify that the statement is based on reasonable grounds, and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the Department.
7.3 Disclosure Subject to the provisions below, the Department will keep confidential any confidential information provided to the Department by Applicants prior to the awarding of a Funding Agreement, and in respect of unsuccessful Applicants, after the awarding of a Funding Agreement.
Applicants must identify any information contained within their Application, which they consider should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request. The Department will only consider a request for confidentiality where:
• the information to be protected is identified in specific rather than global terms• the information is by its nature confidential• disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned.The Department is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Australian Government, including disclosure to the Parliament and its Committees. Notwithstanding any obligation of confidentiality, the Department may disclose, or allow at any time the disclosure of, any information contained in or relating to any Application:
• to its advisers, employees or internal management for purposes related to the Application and Assessment Processes, including to evaluate or otherwise assess Applications and manage any resultant arrangements
• to the responsible Minister• in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of
Australia• within the Department, or with another agency, where this serves the Australian Government’s
legitimate interests• where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that information
submitted to the Australian Government is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and its requirements
• where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of any relevant confidentiality obligation by the Australian Government.
In submitting an Application, Applicants consent to the Department using the information submitted for the above mentioned purposes, for administering, monitoring and evaluating the Program and any other incidental or related purpose.
Applicants should be aware if they are successful, the terms of the Funding Agreement will prescribe each parties’ rights and obligations relating to confidentiality, and Commonwealth policy requires the Department to publish information on its website about Delivery Partner(s), including but not limited to:
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• the name of the person or entity receiving the funding • the title and purpose of the Project• the amount of funding awarded • the term of the funding • the funding location• where a Funding Agreement contains any special confidentiality provision, that provision and the
reason for that provision.
7.4 PrivacyAll personal information included in an Application is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and is collected by the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy for the assessment and administration of the Program. This information is required to process your Application.
The Department will store and use the personal information collected by it in compliance with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Applicants may access or correct personal information by either emailing the Department at [email protected] or sending a letter to the Department’s postal address.
The personal information may be used by the Department or given to other parties where you have agreed or it is required or authorized by law.
Information collected may also be used in research on the Program’s effectiveness. This research may be published. The Australian National Audit Office may also request access to all relevant activity files.
All information submitted to the Australian Government is subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
More information about the way in which the Department will manage personal information, including the Department’s privacy policy, can be obtained by requesting a copy from the Department or at http://www.environment.gov.au/privacy-policy.
7.5 OwnershipAll Applications become the property of the Department on lodgement. However, subject to the following paragraph, ownership of the intellectual property rights in the Applications will remain unchanged.
The Department may use and copy Applications as it requires for the purposes of this Application process, evaluating Applications, negotiating and preparing a Funding Agreement, audit requirements and complying with reporting requirements, including any governmental and Parliamentary requests for information by the Australian Government, a Minister, the Parliament or Parliamentary Committees.
7.6 No contract Nothing in these Guidelines is to be construed as to give rise to any contractual obligations, express or implied. No conduct or statement made by the Department or the Minister prior to the execution of a Funding Agreement between the Department and a successful Applicant is to be construed as giving rise to a contract or undertaking of any kind (including without limitation, an undertaking that could give rise to an action in negligence or estoppel).
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PART 8: MISCELLANEOUSReturn or destruction of Department information The Department may, at any stage, require all written or electronically stored information provided to Applicants (whether confidential or otherwise and without regard to the type of media on which such information was provided to any Applicant) and all copies of such information made by Applicants to be:
• returned to the Department—in which case the Applicant must promptly return all such information to the address identified by Department
• destroyed by the Applicant—in which case the Applicant must promptly destroy all such information and provide the Department with written certification that the information has been destroyed.
Applicable lawThe laws of the Australian Capital Territory apply to this Application process. Each Applicant must comply with all relevant laws in preparing and lodging their Applications and taking part in this Application process.
Enquiries and complaintsAll enquiries will be handled consistent with the Department’s Service Charter 2014–16, available from the Department’s website http://www.environment.gov.au/about-us/publications/service-charter.
The Department is committed to best practice in relation to resolving disputes and/or complaints. Should a problem or complaint be identified, please contact the Department via email [email protected] or by post to:
Reef Trust Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment and Energy GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601.
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AEST Australian Eastern Standard Time, which at the time of this Application period will be Queensland time.
Applicant An entity that makes an Application for funding under the Program. An Applicant may become a Delivery Partner should their Project be awarded funding.
Application An Application for funding under the Program to deliver specified Gully and/or Stream Bank remediation activities.
Application Form The Program grant funding Application Form, available at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion, or a hard copy version of that form as provided for by Section 5.1 of these Guidelines
Assessment Criteria
The Assessment Criteria to be used to assess Applications as described in Section 5.3 of these Guidelines.
Assessment Process
The process that will be used to assess Applications as described in Part 5 of these Guidelines.
Australian Business Number (ABN)
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is a unique identifier numeric code that identifies an Australian person(s) or legal entity for the purposes of dealing with the Australian Taxation Office, other businesses and all levels of government.
Closing Time The Closing Time for Applications as outlined in Section 1.6 of the Guidelines.
Connected Systems
Spatially connected Gullies and Streams within a catchment
Delivery Partner An Applicant who has been awarded funding under the Program for their Project.
Department The Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy, ABN 34190894983, or any other agency that administers this Program from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria The essential criteria that must be met in order for an Application to be considered for assessment under these Guidelines, as described in Section 2.1 of these Guidelines.
EPBC Act The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
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A legally enforceable, performance-based contract between the Department and a successful Applicant that sets out the terms and conditions governing the funding to be provided under the Program.
Guidelines The Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Applicant Guidelines 2016 (this document) and any amendments to it.
Gully/Gullies A drainage channel incised or cut into the land surface, often with defined outer edges, and a depth of >0.3m, or into the bed of a natural water course to a total size exceeding several times the prior depth and width of the watercourse. For more information and examples please refer to the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox.
Gully Erosion The removal of soil along the floor and walls of a Gully or Gullies through rainsplash, tunnelling, undermining, fluting, dispersion/slaking, mass failure, rilling, sheetwash, by surface water runoff and/or soil saturation. Gully Erosion is not Stream Bank Erosion, being the removal of sediment from the side of a natural watercourse by fluvial scour and/or mass failure. Gully Erosion is not scald, rill or sheetwash erosion of a non-unincised land surface.
Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox
Further detailed technical information is contained in the Reef Trust Phase IV Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program Toolbox (Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox), to help Applicants design their Application. It can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosion.
Gully and Stream channel systems
Channel networks within a defined system.
In-kind contributions
A non-cash input which can be assigned a cash value. This could include labour, or use of machinery or equipment, among other things.
In-stream vegetation
Annual and perennial vegetation located within the bases of Stream and river systems, excluding that growing on Stream and river banks, but including that established on sand and gravel bars.
Key Documents Those documents listed under the heading ‘Key Documents’ on page 3 of these Guidelines.
Mapping Polygon A Mapping Polygon is an area shape (polygon) which describes the spatial dimensions of an Applicants Project Site(s).
Moderation Panel A panel that will moderate the assessed Applications, and provide recommendations to the Minister on Applications suitable to receive funding under the Program.
Management Unit or Units
Subdivisions of Reef natural resource management regions generally defined based on river basin and catchment boundaries. The priority Management Units for this Program are illustrated in Figure 1. Spatial data is provided in the Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox at
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Minister The Minister responsible for the Australian Government Department which administers the Program, currently the Minister for the Environment and Energy.
Program The Reef Trust Gully and Stream Bank Erosion Control Program.
Project An agreed schedule of work activity/activities, funded by the Program in accordance with these Guidelines.
Project Activities The activities that Applicants propose to undertake to address the Program objectives.
Project Site The location/area where Project Activities will take place. A Project may have multiple Project Sites across or within Management Units.
Riparian Area of land directly associated with Stream and river banks.
Stream Banks Bank delineating a permanent or semi permanent water flow.
Three main types of Stream Bank erosion specific to the Reef catchments can be identified, including:
• incised minor Streams and drainage lines in catchments with extensive Gully Erosion such as Bowen, Bogie, Normanby
• large (deep) river channels where there can be alluvial Gully Erosion on Stream Banks such as in Bowen, Normanby. Such channels may have a complex cross-section within inset horizontal surfaces. In all cases, the Stream Bank includes the highest bank
• high-energy Streams in wetter coastal catchments that have erodible soils such as Pioneer, O’Connell, Herbert.
Stream Bank Erosion
The removal of soil and sediment along the base and walls of a Stream Bank/s by hydraulic in-stream flows, surface water runoff and/or mass failure.
Technical Partner The contracted party who will provide advice on the development of the Program, the approach to implementation of activities and the monitoring and reporting undertaken by Delivery Partner(s).
Third Party Organisation
An organisation that may provide additional support, separate to funding awarded through this Program, to Delivery Partners following the execution of a Funding Deed, for activities that are complementary to those funded through this Program.
Value with relevantmoney
An assessment of the extent to which an Application demonstrates an efficient, effective, economical and ethical use of public funds to achieve the Project outcomes.
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Comprehensive Plans developed by each Reef catchment region to identify the current status and proposed improvements to Water Quality required to meet the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013.
Work Health and Safety (WHS)
In the context of the Program, this means protecting the health and safety of workers and other persons while in the workplace from exposure to hazards and risks, and the terms ‘worker’, ‘workplace’ and ‘other persons’ are defined and used in the relevant WHS laws.
APPENDIX B: USEFUL REFERENCESThe information sources listed below may provide useful sources of information for planning your Project. For further information please phone 1800 852 975.
Gully and Stream Bank Toolbox• Information on activity selection and design, monitoring and other technical aspects:
http://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reeftrust/addressing-stream-bank-gully-erosionIndustry, Regional and Investment Prioritisation• Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013: Prioritisation Project report:
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/natural-resources/reef-water.pdf• 2013 Reef Water Quality Scientific Consensus Statement:
http://www.reefplan.qld.gov.au/about/scientific-consensus-statement/• Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring and Modelling Programme:
Regional Water Quality Improvement Plans• Cape York Natural Resources Management, Eastern Cape York Water Quality Improvement Plan 2016:
http://waterquality.capeyorknrm.com.au/water-quality/eastern-cape• Terrain NRM Wet Tropics Water Quality Improvement Plan: 2015-2020:
http://www.terrain.org.au/Projects/Water-Quality-Improvement-Plan• NQ Dry Tropics, Burdekin Region Water Quality Improvement Plan 2016:
http://www.nqdrytropics.com.au/wqip2016/• Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan 2014-2021:
http://reefcatchments.com.au/water/wqip/• Fitzroy Water Quality Improvement Plan 2015:
http://riverhealth.org.au/projects/fba-wqip/management-priorities-and-targets/grazing/• Water Quality Improvement Plan for the Burnett Mary Region, 2015: http://www.bmrg.org.au/our-
Industry Best Management Practice Frameworks• Sugarcane: https://www.smartcane.com.au/home.aspx• Grazing: https://www.smartcane.com.au/home.aspx• Grains: https://www.grainsbmp.com.au/• Horticulture: http://www.hort360.com.au/• Dairy: http://www.dairypage.com.au/dairying-better-n-better-1/
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Industry Research• Better Beef and Reef: https://futurebeef.com.au/resources/projects/completed-projects/better-beef-
and-reef/• Review of Nitrogen Use Efficiency: http://elibrary.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/14735• Reef Program Gully management: http://www.capeyorkwaterquality.info/rehab-research/overview
Monitoring and reporting • Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Strategy:
http://www.nrm.gov.au/my-project/monitoring-and-reporting-plan/meri• Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Tool: https://fieldcapture.ala.org.au/• Reef Trust Monitoring and Reporting Plan:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/australias-biodiversity-conservation-strategy• Strategy for Australia’s National Reserve System 2009–2030:
Matters of National Environmental Significance—lists, tools and plans • conservation advice by NRM region: protected matters search tool: regional natural resource
management plans, issues for the region and contact information: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/conservationadvice.pl
• Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia: https://www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important-wetlands
World Heritage areas • Information on Australia’s World Heritage areas: further information on the Great Barrier Reef World
Heritage area: https://www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/world-heritage• Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/managing-the-reef/great-barrier-reef-
• Weed spread and management action maps: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/
• Atlas of Living Australia: http://lists.ala.org.au/speciesListItem/list/dr781• Weeds of national significance and other lists of weeds of national interest:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/• Further information on core attributes for surveying and mapping nationally significant weeds:
http://www.environment.gov.au/node/14124
Waterways and coastal environments
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• Informing the Outlook for Great Barrier Reef coastal ecosystems: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/_data/assets/pdf_file/0006/28257/Informing-the-Outlook-for-Great-Barrier-Reef-coastal-ecosystems.pdf
• Information and tools on the wide variety of wetland systems and types in the Great Barrier Reef catchments from the Queensland Government Wetlands Program http://wetlandinfo.ehp.qld.gov.au/wetlands/
Related Australian Government Programs:• Green Army: https://www.environment.gov.au/land/green-army• 20 Million Trees: https://www.environment.gov.au/land/20-million-trees• National Landcare Programme: http://www.nrm.gov.au/national-landcare-Programme • Australian Pest Animal Strategy: https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/a7cb5991-
