Lower Hunter District 2015/16 Torryburn Green Army Assistance Program Guidelines for Applicants

About Local Land Services

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

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

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

About the Program

The Torryburn Green Army Program aims to provide capacity building, technical and financial assistance to support landholders whom were affected by the floods during the Super Storm event in April 2015, to recover from flood damage through riparian improvement, fencing realignment and weed management on-ground projects.

The objectives of Torryburn Green Army Assistance Program:

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  Support Torryburn landholders to recover from the 2015 April Super Storm event.
  
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  Increase awareness and capacity for the Torryburn community to prepare and successfully respond to natural disasters such as floods.
  

Eligibility

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  The project property being located in the identified priority area:
  
  • 
    Torryburn
    
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  The proponents completing works for any previously funded projects.
  
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  The proposed works must be able to be completed by 30 June 2016.
  
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  Hunter LLS minimum standards for on-ground works being met.
  
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  The proposed activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native Vegetation Act 2003, Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
  
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  All current Hunter LLS financial obligations are paid.
  

Types of Activities

• Realignment and repair of existing fencing affected by storm/flood damage along riparian areas (excluding boundary fences)

• Revegetation with endemic native species to restore riparian vegetation and assist in riverbank stabilisation.

• Weed control associated with riparian vegetation management.

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  Management of grazing through the installation of livestock exclusion fencing to improve:
  
  • 
    Natural regeneration of riparian vegetation
    
  • 
    Improvement of ground cover and banks stability
    
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  Installation of alternative watering systems supplementary to riparian fencing.
  
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  Removal of flood wrack and debris
  

Types of activities that will not be funded under this program include:

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  Proponents who have not completed the works for their previously Hunter LLS or Catchment Management Authority (CMA) funded project will be ineligible for funding
  
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  The proposed works must not be previously funded through a Hunter LLS or CMA funding agreement and still subject to maintenance provisions.
  
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  All project activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native Vegetation Act 2003, Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 etc.
  
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  Purely production oriented activities.
  
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  Major farm water supplies including irrigation.
  
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  Activities that are the legal responsibility of the landholder, such as noxious weed control and vertebrate pest management.
  
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  Purchase of machinery and computer hardware and software, where there is no demonstrated land use change.
  
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  Activities more appropriately funded by other bodies.
  
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  Activities that the land managers can reasonably be expected to undertake to ensure sustainable management of areas under their control.
  
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  Work that is undertaken before the project agreement for the proposal is signed or after the project agreement ends.
  
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  Projects that mainly beautify or improve amenity.
  
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  Standard boundary fencing that is the landholder’s normal responsibility.
  
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  Capital works, for example construction of buildings or viewing platforms to improve amenity.
  
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  Expert advice that could alternatively be provided by the Hunter LLS or other government agency.
  
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  Research.
  
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  Any works for mostly private benefit.
  
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  Activities that may be required due to: legal responsibilities, compliance with development consents and/or reasonable duty of care.
  
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  Activities that do not directly deliver on the specified Hunter LLS Strategic Plan outcomes.
  

Assessment Process

1. 
   The likelihood that proposed land use changes/activities will result in improved sustainable land management practices, including grazing and riparian management practices to ensure improved resilience of riparian corridor and waterway in the future.
   
2. 
   The likelihood that proposed land use changes/activities will result in improved resilience and preparedness for the landholder and their property in future times of storm/flood.
   
3. 
   The proponent is committed to completing the project within a required duration, and undertaking the required ongoing maintenance and monitoring (5 years).
   
4. 
   Applicant has included an in-kind and/or cash contribution.
   
5. 
   Applicant can demonstrate that the project provides public and private benefit, and represents value for money.
   
6. 
   A risk assessment of the likelihood of a successful project outcome for funding provided.
   
7. 
   All current Hunter LLS financial obligations are paid.
   

The Hunter LLS may contact applicants during the assessment process to confirm or clarify any information in the application form. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment process. If your application is successful, it intended that all contracts will need to be finalised and signed prior to 23^rd December 2015.

Where to get assistance?

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

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

Applications for Hunter Flood Recovery Program will need to complete a Lower Hunter Small Grants Application Form available on Hunter LLS website at www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
Lodging Applications -

Applications can be lodged in two ways.

1. 
   Submit the original signed application to the Hunter LLS by 4^th December 2015. Applications post marked this date will be accepted. Send applications to…
   

Lower Hunter Small Grants Program

Hunter Local Land Services

Private Bag 2010

Paterson NSW 2421

2. 
   Submit your application electronically by 4^th December 2015 to:
   

incentives.program@lls.nsw.gov.au

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

HR_xxx-“Proponent surname”

(the HR_xxx project identifier will be provided by your Hunter LLS Officer)
----------- Applications that are sent directly to Hunter LLS staff will not be accepted. -----------

Conditions of funding

Contracts

All Hunter LLS Grants will be delivered through an Agreement. A copy of the standard agreement letter is available to all applicants to review prior to submitting the application. Please contact the Hunter LLS office to access a copy of the standard agreement template.
The Agreement letter will need to be signed by the applicant and the land owner (If different). The landholder on the application should match the landholder that will sign the contract and this should also match landholder that will receive the Grant funds.

How will you be paid?

A payment schedule will be determined as part of funding agreement negotiations. Funds will generally be paid 40% on completion of the first milestone which will generally be the submission of a WHS management plan and baseline photos. The remainder of funds will paid on completion of agreed milestones with 10% being withheld for the submission and approval the final report.
All Grant payments from the Hunter LLS will be made during the 2015-16 financial year provided milestones are achieved. Milestone payments may require a site inspection by the Hunter LLS to verify completion of the milestone. A final report on the project outcomes will be required to receive the final payment.
Payment will be made on receipt of a signed ATO compliant tax invoice on completion of agreement milestones. GST registered Grantees will be paid 10% GST on top of the approved Grant amount. Applicants should discuss the implications of receiving funding from the Hunter LLS with a financial adviser prior to applying.

Monitoring and Reporting

All on-ground projects funded by the Hunter LLS will be required to provide before and after photos, and in some cases regular photo-point monitoring. The Hunter LLS has a guideline for photo monitoring available on the website.
The Hunter LLS may also require monitoring of groundcover using the step point monitoring method or native vegetation condition monitoring depending on the type of activities proposed.
All projects funded by the Hunter LLS may be included in more detailed vegetation and/or soil condition monitoring undertaken by the Hunter LLS.
A final report on the project outcomes will be required to receive a final payment prior to 31 December 2016.
Further details of monitoring requirements and templates for reports are available from a Hunter LLS contact officer and will be made available to successful applicants.

Maintenance

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

Public Liability Insurance

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

Disclosure of Information

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

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

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

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

Workplace Health and Safety

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

Minimum standards for on-ground works

General

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

Fencing

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

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

Revegetation

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

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

• Revegetation of gullies, rivers and creeks: Any plantings along riparian lands must use local native species. Riparian revegetation projects should aim, if possible, to cover both sides of the flow line.

• Revegetation for biodiversity and conservation purposes: A mix of local native species suitable for the site must be used. Wildlife corridors must link (be within 20m) of existing areas of remnant vegetation or established revegetation sites and must be at least 25 m wide or have an average width of at least 30m.

Structural works

This may include earthworks or construction activities for:

• Gully filling/shaping,

• Construction of diversion banks,

• Construction of gully control structures/ dams,

• Construction of concrete or rock flumes,

• Rock revetment, groynes and bed control structures

• In-stream works for enhancing aquatic habitat and/or controlling bed or bank erosion.

All structural works must be constructed to Hunter LLS standards and meet all regulatory requirements.

Soil Testing

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

Provision of alternate stock water supplies

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

Weed Control

Weed control for treating weeds or regenerating or protecting native vegetation will need to demonstrate that weed control is integral to achieving good biodiversity outcomes and/or addressing broader environmental issues. While noxious weed control may be required on a given site by legislation, funding for the control of noxious weeds is permitted where weed control is not the primary activity.

Weed control activities must achieve at least an 80% reduction in cover of the targeted weed species and this should be maintained for the term of the agreement. Directions on appropriate herbicide use must be adhered to and relevant permits must be acquired if undertaking weed control near waterways or water bodies. Permits may also be required from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to control weeds in Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs).

Grazing Management

Grazing must be excluded unless it is compatible with the proposed NRM actions and intended outcomes. Technical advice should be sought from Hunter LLS staff or other suitably qualified persons.

Project activities and outcomes determine if projects involve sustainable grazing or strategic grazing.

Sustainable grazing

Grazing management practices that increase pasture and stock productivity without high inputs, improve farm profitability, increase rainfall capture and enhance both on and off-farm resources. This requires a good understanding of pasture growth processes, managing stock feed demand against herbage mass availability, managing for land capability, maintaining high levels of groundcover and pasture litter and increasing pasture perenniality and species diversity.

All activities for sustainable grazing incentives must be carried out and monitored with a sustainable grazing plan.

Strategic Grazing

Grazing management practices used as a land management tool for outcomes such as bushfire fuel load reduction, weed control or increasing native plant diversity. It involves short grazes at limited strategic times and to an extent compatible with achieving NRM rather than production outcomes. It predominantly entails stock exclusion.

Grazing must be excluded for projects that deliver native vegetation, riverine or biodiversity outcomes, unless it is compatible with a given vegetation community that is present (e.g. grassy woodland), its current condition, proposed future condition and proposed management actions. Where strategic grazing is appropriate, it should follow a minimum period of stock exclusion of 3 years to initiate and promote natural regeneration and to ensure any necessary revegetation plantings (groundcover, shrubs and or trees) are established. Strategic grazing thereafter should be limited to a maximum of 8 weeks in any one year, a maximum of 2 weeks grazing within any one grazing period and with grazing periods a minimum of 8 weeks apart.

A minimum of 70% groundcover must be maintained, with stock excluded during declared droughts and immediately following heavy rainfall. Step point and photo point monitoring of groundcover at 6 monthly intervals must be undertaken.

Fire Management

The landholder must not carry out any burning for Native Vegetation or Riparian Protection or Regeneration, and for Revegetation of Highly Erodible Soils unless required to do so under the Rural Fires Act 1997, or in accordance with a Hunter LLS approved Fire Plan. Burning must involve an ecologically appropriate fire management regime that promotes biodiversity outcomes. Technical advice should be sought from Hunter LLS staff or other suitably qualified persons.

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