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1 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines Strengthening Communities Partnerships & Capacity Building Grants 2015 Guidelines LATE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au Important Information Strengthening Communities Partnership & Capacity Building Grants provide funding to support the development and implementation of community projects that address local land management issues and/or build the capacity of grassroots and community-based organisations. These include Local Government, Aboriginal groups & organisations, Landcare and Producer groups, and other community organisations working in Natural Resource management, agriculture and connection to country. Projects may cover areas such as sustainable land management economic development, organisational capacity, improving knowledge and skills, Aboriginal Culture, and safety issues. Applicants should read these Guidelines and consider the application form carefully before starting their application. Grant Details Capacity Building Grant Award Amount: Up to $10,000 Up to three separate applications can be submitted per group, organisation or applicant. Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday, 11 th May, 2015 Each response is limited to 200 words or less. Applications with all relevant attachments are to be emailed to Wendy Nethercote [email protected] Submissions received with incomplete or missing information may be disqualified.

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Page 1: Strengthening Communities Partnerships and Capacity ...murray.lls.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/559441/applicatio… · Strengthening Communities Partnership & Capacity Building

1 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Strengthening Communities

Partnerships & Capacity Building Grants

2015

Guidelines

LATE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED

www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au

Important Information Strengthening Communities Partnership & Capacity Building Grants provide funding to support the development and implementation of community projects that address local land management issues and/or build the capacity of grassroots and community-based organisations. These include Local Government, Aboriginal groups & organisations, Landcare and Producer groups, and other community organisations working in Natural Resource management, agriculture and connection to country. Projects may cover areas such as sustainable land management economic development, organisational capacity, improving knowledge and skills, Aboriginal Culture, and safety issues. Applicants should read these Guidelines and consider the application form carefully before starting their application.

Grant Details

Capacity Building Grant Award Amount: Up to $10,000

Up to three separate applications can be submitted per group, organisation or applicant.

Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday, 11th

May, 2015

Each response is limited to 200 words or less.

Applications with all relevant attachments are to be emailed to Wendy Nethercote [email protected]

Submissions received with incomplete or missing information may be disqualified.

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2 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Contents Important Information .................................................................................................................................. 1

Part 1 – Partnerships & Capacity Building Grants Overview ........................................................................ 4

1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Strategic Objectives and Outcomes .................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Timeframes ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Part 2 Funding Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 5

2.1 The importance of community engagement ..................................................................................... 5

2.2 Indigenous Participation ..................................................................................................................... 5

2.3 Monitoring and reporting ................................................................................................................... 5

Part 3 Eligibility and Who Can Apply? ........................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Who can apply? ................................................................................................................................... 6

3.2 What activities are eligible? ................................................................................................................ 6

3.3 What activities are not eligible? ......................................................................................................... 6

Part 4 The application ................................................................................................................................... 7

4.1 Completing the application ................................................................................................................. 7

4.2 Lodgement Process ............................................................................................................................. 8

Part 5 Assessment and Notification .............................................................................................................. 8

5.1 Assessment Process ............................................................................................................................ 8

5.2 Assessment Criteria............................................................................................................................. 9

5.3 Notification ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Part 6 Funding Agreement Requirements .................................................................................................... 9

6.1 Funding Agreements ........................................................................................................................... 9

6.2 Public and Private Benefit ................................................................................................................. 10

6.3 Project Commencement ................................................................................................................... 10

6.4 Taxation and GST .............................................................................................................................. 10

6.5 Insurance ........................................................................................................................................... 11

6.6 Communication and Acknowledgement ........................................................................................... 11

6.7 Project acquittals .............................................................................................................................. 11

6.8 Murray LLS audit requirements ........................................................................................................ 11

6.9 Compliance and Relevant Laws......................................................................................................... 11

Part 7 Rights and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................... 11

7.1 Applicants Responsibilities ................................................................................................................ 11

7.2 Work Health and Safety .................................................................................................................... 12

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3 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

7.3 False or Misleading Information ....................................................................................................... 12

7.4 Murray Local Land Services Rights .................................................................................................... 12

7.5 Disclaimer .......................................................................................................................................... 13

7.6. Confidentiality and Privacy .............................................................................................................. 13

Part 8 Enquiries, Complaints, Feedback and Contact Details ..................................................................... 14

8.1 Enquiries and complaints .................................................................................................................. 14

8.2 Feedback ........................................................................................................................................... 14

8.3 Contact details for further information ............................................................................................ 14

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4 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Part 1 – Partnerships & Capacity Building Grants Overview

1.1 Overview

This grant round is part of Murray Local Land Services (Murray LLS) aims for improving the health,

productivity and resilience of our natural landscapes. The Program will also contribute to the Australian

Government’s objectives under the National Landcare Program.

The grant round brings together Murray LLS Local Community Program and the Aboriginal Community

programs to create a single Partnership and Capacity Building Grants round that will invest to protect and

improve our Region’s organisational and people capacity, assets and values through action at the local

level.

The Program is designed to be simple, reflect local and regional priorities, and contribute to the long-term

health of local landscapes and communities. By investing in local and regional projects Murray LLS

acknowledges the important contribution of local communities in assisting Murray LLS realise its national,

state and regional obligations.

The Program will be delivered through simplified guidelines, applications, reporting and administration.

1.2 Strategic Objectives and Outcomes

Grant Streams

Stream 1 General communities program

This stream will support applications that address Outcomes 1 and 2 below

Stream 2 Aboriginal Program

This stream will support applications from the aboriginal community which address Outcomes 1, 2 or 3 below.

Three key outcomes

Outcome 1 Organisational Capacity Building: Communities Partnership & Capacity Building Grants support projects that strengthen and enable the community organisation to build its structures, systems, people, and skills so that it can achieve greater performance and impact in the management of natural resources & land. Capacity Building activities include:

Evaluation of Organisation’s Core Services

Improvement of Organisation’s Program Delivery

Organisational or Community Assets & Needs Assessments

Strategic Collaborations

Training, and skills development

Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Planning

Resources to build group capacity.

Outcome 2 The delivery of land management projects addressing local issues

Projects that address this goal would include on ground works such as environmental restoration or agricultural demonstration. It would also include education and training to support the capacity of land managers to manage land sustainably

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5 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Outcome 3 The delivery of projects that increase opportunities for Aboriginal people to work on Country

Projects in this category may include projects that deliver information, products or on ground outcomes associated with

Technical Ecological Knowledge

Cultural Education and/or oral history recording

Management of Traditional Lands

Increasing employment outcomes for Aboriginal people

Cultural Heritage Management.

1.3 Timeframes

New application period commences

Closing date for applications

Assessment period Grants Awarded

24 April 2015 11 May 2015 12 to 25 May 2015 By 30 June 2015

Contracts will need to be executed within the timeframes to enable funding to be allocated prior to 30 June 2015.

Part 2 Funding Requirements

2.1 The importance of community engagement

Delivery of Partnership and Capacity Building Grants should be designed to maintain or build upon current engagement in Landcare and practice change activities, while increasing the engagement and participation rates in natural resource management and sustainable agricultural activities of a wide variety of groups including indigenous groups.

2.2 Indigenous Participation

It is expected that Indigenous people and organisations will have opportunities to participate in the delivery of priority natural resource management and sustainable agricultural activities and contribute to wider social and economic benefits. Aboriginal organisations will be eligible to apply to both streams of the grant program but stream 2 is specifically targeting the Aboriginal community. It is expected that Indigenous people will be involved at an early stage of Partnership and Capacity Building Grants delivery design to ensure that activities are accessible, relevant and appropriate to Indigenous people and

organisations.

2.3 Monitoring and reporting

Murray LLS is committed to accountability and demonstrating that its natural resource management investments achieve desired natural resource management outcomes over both the short- and long-term. It has responsibility for reporting on national and international commitments, conventions, policies, frameworks and agreements.

The Program will be monitored against its vision, goals and management targets using a consistent framework of standard measures and key performance indicators and successful Applicants will have an important role in demonstrating the value of Partnership and Capacity Building Grant investments.

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6 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Part 3 Eligibility and Who Can Apply General Requirements

1. Project Timeline: Partnerships & Capacity Building Grant projects must be started and

completed within 6 months of the grant being awarded, which will occur approximately June 30, 2015.

2. Project Location: Project sites must be located in the Murray LLS Region.

3.1 Who can apply? Applications will be accepted from:

Community groups and organisations, Landcare and producer groups and Local Government bodies within the Murray LLS Region

Individual land managers may apply for grants that deliver on stated project outcomes. Individuals need to be aware there will be an assessment weighting for group applications.

Applicants will need to satisfy incorporated, registered and certified organisation criteria (refer to application criteria questions 1 to 8)

3.2 What activities are eligible? Applicants, in consultation with their local community are responsible for identifying the best way to achieve local natural resource management priorities and deliver on them. However, there are constraints on the types of activities for which funding can be used to ensure that Murray LLS funds are used appropriately. Section 1.2 provides examples of the types of activities that may be considered eligible Applicants should note that administration costs of up to 10 per cent of the proposed budget can be included in the application:

Administration costs may include project monitoring, reporting and evaluation costs, and costs associated with organisational governance, delivery and engagement practices

Applicants may not request more than 10 per cent of the proposed project budget to support these activities without justification in their application. This will be considered by Murray LLS on a case by case basis.

3.3 What activities are not eligible? Partnership and Capacity Building Grants may not be used for:

activities that are inconsistent with the outcomes and example activities in section 1.2;

activities that contradict or inhibit the targets and outcomes of existing relevant programs

activities or investments undertaken, or liabilities incurred, before Murray LLS enters into a written funding agreement with the successful Applicant;

activities that are the responsibility, or the business, of state, territory or local governments or of private land managers, including activities that are a legislative and regulatory responsibility, such as managing or controlling certain weeds or compliance activities, and activities that would be considered a landholder’s responsibility, such as standard boundary fencing. These activities may be undertaken in conjunction with Program funded activities provided that Program funding is not used for them;

activities that are required to be undertaken by any person or are part of an approval under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation, for example, the provision of an environmental offset

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7 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

under the EPBC Act;

activities that are likely to have a significantly adverse impact on any species or ecological community listed under the EPBC Act, an ecosystem of national or international significance (e.g. a Ramsar listed site, World Heritage area or part of the National Reserve System) or activities with the potential to exacerbate a threatening process listed under the EPBC Act;

activities that may have a significant adverse impact on Indigenous cultural heritage and which have not received approval through relevant state or territory legislative requirements;

activities that involve planting of species (including native species) that are known to be, or could become, environmental or agricultural weeds in or near the project location;

activities or elements of activities that are primarily for the purpose of beautifying or improving amenity, for example, landscaping, picnic tables, shelters and paving;

the production or purchase of promotional clothing or items / merchandise (unless approved in writing by Murray LLS);

political or ideological advocacy (e.g. protesting against a development). While Regional Funding may not be used for political advocacy, this does not exclude, and should not discourage applications from Applicants that also undertake political or ideological advocacy;

purchase or hire of equipment, materials or other major capital items that are normally part of a landholder’s or organisation’s responsibility except where it can be demonstrated that the purchase of equipment or other capital items represents value for money and contributes to delivery against the Program. Any such purchase or hire requires prior approval by Murray LLS;

providing bounties for the control of vertebrate pests;

business development activities or subsidies for commercial operations, except where related to Indigenous capacity building to deliver natural resource management outcomes;

construction, repair or maintenance of major water infrastructure such as large salt interception or engineering works, unless specified as a recovery action to benefit a listed species or matter of national environmental significance in an endorsed recovery or management plan;

activities that are conducted outside the defined Murray Local Land Services region.

Part 4 The application

4.1 Completing the application Application Components There are 2 forms that require completion both are available on our website (www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au)

1. The Partnership & Capacity Building Grant Application form 2. The Budget workbook/spreadsheet

The applicant form has a series of questions designed to provide information on your organisation and the project you propose. The application form requires applicants to demonstrate how they will use Partnership and Capacity Building Grants to contribute to the Murray Catchment Action Plans goals and management targets. (See Attachment 1 of these guidelines) Partnership and Capacity Building Grants applications are expected to show how they will achieve practical on-ground sustainable land management and natural resource management outcomes and/or contribute to these by increasing community engagement, participation, skills and capacity in natural resource and land management.

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8 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Project Description: Applicants will be asked to describe/answer the following:

The proposed project to be funded.

The defined community that will be impacted by the project.

The need the project will address.

How the project relates to one (or more) of the desired outcomes

If your project builds upon a past works: How will it take the previous project in a new direction or add value?

How will the proposed project increase the capacity of the community and/or organisation?

Resident/Stakeholder Involvement: Applicants must demonstrate how the organisation, community, and residents of the defined community (or stakeholders who are a part of the defined community) were substantively involved in project planning and will be actively involved in project execution. Applicants are also asked to identify a plan for assessment and reporting on the project: Timeline: A timeline must be provided for implementation of the project documenting a few key milestone dates and confirming the project will be completed within 6 months of the grant awarded (July 1, 2015 – December 10, 2015). The budget spreadsheet must be completed Applicants can refer to the following supporting documents, available at www.murray.lls.nsw.gov.au and www.nrm.gov.au/regional, when preparing their applications:

the Australian Government Performance Expectations for regional natural resource management organisations

the Indigenous Participation in the planning and delivery of National Landcare Program investment

the Murray Catchment Action Plan

4.2 Lodgement Process Proposals must be submitted via email by 5pm on Monday, May 11th, 2015 to Wendy Nethercote [email protected]. If you are not able to electronically lodge your application please contact Wendy on 03 58801400 to make alternative arrangements for receipt by the due date and time.

Part 5 Assessment and Notification

5.1 Assessment Process There will be separate assessment panels for the Aboriginal program stream and the General Community stream Each assessment panel will include MLLS staff and a community representative. The panels will consider all applications against defined assessment criteria and provide recommendations. Murray LLS will ensure all assessors involved in the assessment process comply with the NSW Public Service Code of Conduct and declare and address any actual, perceived or potential Conflict of Interest prior to providing any advice or assessment. The Murray LLS General Manager and the Manager for Strategic Land Services will make the final decision on funding.

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9 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Murray LLS reserves the right to use information from any other source, as well as the information provided in applications, for the purposes of assessment. Word limits apply to answers in the application form and assessors may not consider any information that applicants provide beyond the specific word limit.

5.2 Assessment Criteria Assessment criteria include (but are not limited to the following

The extent the application aligns with the CAP goals and strategies ( Attachment 1)

The extent the application delivers on outcomes 1,2 and 3 as defined in Section 1.2

The extent the application reflects a need identified by the local community

The extent of public/private benefit

Whether the application come from a community organisation (preference will be given to applications from established community organisations working in NRM and Agriculture)

The long term outcome of the project

The extent the applications provide the opportunity for an increased number of organisations to participate in the delivery of National Landcare Programme funding

Before approving a project under the Program, the relevant Program Manager and his/her delegates must ensure that they consider value for money and promote proper use of Murray LLS resources, meaning efficient, effective, economical and ethical use that is consistent with Murray LLS policies

5.3 Notification All applicants will be notified of the final funding decisions via email prior to the end of May. For the grant to proceed contract execution and invoice may be required in time for processing prior to June 30 2015.

Part 6 Funding Agreement Requirements

6.1 Funding Agreements A funding agreement is a performance-based, legally enforceable agreement setting out the terms and conditions governing the provision of Partnership and Capacity Building Grants for activities under the Program. All grant payments for activities conducted as part of the Program are subject to the successful Applicant entering into, and complying with, the terms and conditions of a funding agreement entered into directly with Murray LLS. Murray LLS will only enter into a funding agreement with the successful applicant. The successful applicant will then be legally responsible for ensuring all of the obligations under the terms and conditions of the funding agreement are met. Applicants should take note of the following important points relating to funding agreements:

Murray LLS will not be legally bound to provide funding, until it actually enters into a written funding agreement with the successful Applicant. Successful Applicants will not be entitled to expend Program funding on project related expenses incurred prior to this time. As a result, successful Applicants must avoid commencing activities, or entering into legally binding commitments relating to activities, until they receive confirmation from Murray LLS that a funding agreement has been entered into.

Where the successful Applicant has established a partnership, or has identified third party contributions that will assist in completing the project, the successful Applicant may need to have legal arrangements in place (including Work Health and Safety) with those parties to ensure the completion of the project. Murray LLS may require successful Applicants to confirm that such legal arrangements are in place prior to the first funding release being made under the funding agreement.

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10 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

If a successful Applicant is currently the recipient of Murray LLS funding under another program but acquittals required to be provided for that funding are outstanding, Murray LLS may delay execution of a funding agreement with that successful Applicant until the acquittal has been provided and accepted.

If there is an inconsistency between the terms of a funding agreement and these Guidelines, the terms of the funding agreement take precedence.

6.2 Public and Private Benefit Murray LLS funding must be strongly linked to providing benefits for the public good (externalities) and/or addressing market failure (including information failure). Assistance may be granted only where activities that provide a public benefit would not occur without government intervention and the outcome contributes to the objectives of the Program. Applicants proposing under their delivery of Partnership and Capacity Building Grants to undertake activities on private land must ensure that other contributions (cash and/or in-kind) are made to the cost of the activities to account for the levels of public and private benefits to be obtained from the activities. For example, funding for on-ground works on private land may only be provided if there is a high public benefit, and a contribution from the landholder/s that will compensate for any private benefit obtained. For further information please contact the appropriate grants contact officer/s.

6.3 Project Commencement Successful applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application in writing and, if successful, will be provided with a funding agreement for signature by an authorised representative of the organisation. The funding agreement should be signed and returned to Murray LLS, within 5-10 business days from the date on which it is provided. The funding agreement will then be signed by the relevant delegate and the date on which the funding agreement is executed by the relevant delegate will be the commencement date of the agreement and the successful applicant may commence the project on that date. Funds will be payable in accordance with the milestone schedule set out in the funding agreement, provided that the successful Applicant has met all the relevant terms and conditions set out in the funding agreement.

6.4 Taxation and GST Grants are subject to normal taxation treatment and no special arrangements will apply. Where applicable, GST will be added to funding payments so that the Commonwealth and the successful applicant may meet their obligations (if any) under the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999. Applicants, or their authorised representative organisation, must at the closing date for applications, be a legal entity capable of entering into a funding agreement. The ABN of the entity that is to receive funds under the Program must be provided to Murray LLS. If no ABN is available, a completed ‘Statement by a Supplier’ form claiming an exemption for lodging an ABN with Murray LLS should be provided. Applicants are to ensure that all budget figures provided in applications are calculated on a GST exclusive basis. Murray LLS recommends that Applicants seek advice:

from an independent source on the taxation implications of receiving a grant of under the Program

if required, from the Australian Taxation Office on completing and providing a ‘Statement by a Supplier’ form.

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11 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

6.5 Insurance If successful and immediately upon entering into a funding agreement, an applicant must ensure that it holds a policy or policies of insurance that is/are appropriate to the proposed project to be undertaken and in compliance with the requirements of the funding agreement. Policies must be maintained for the period specified in the funding agreement which depending upon the type of policy held, may extend beyond the completion of the relevant project. Murray LLS may be entitled to withhold funding, or seek a range of other legal remedies including termination of the funding agreement, if a successful Applicant does not comply with the insurance obligations applying to it under the relevant funding agreement. In order to verify compliance by successful Applicants, Murray LLS may require that copies of certificates of currency of insurance be provided.

6.6 Communication and Acknowledgement Successful Applicants are required to acknowledge Murray LLS’s contribution to their project. Rules for

acknowledging the Murray LLS’s contribution and for working with it to publicise Partnership and Capacity

Building Grants under the Program, including with regard to media and publicity opportunities will be

provided to successful applicants.

6.7 Project acquittals As a recipient of public monies, every successful applicant has an obligation to report on the financial and practical progress of their project, including completion of annual acquittals. Once a project is completed, the successful applicant is required to acquit the project in its entirety.

6.8 Murray LLS audit requirements Every successful Applicant has an obligation to provide any information reasonably required by Murray LLS to perform audits of the reports provided in relation to the funded project.

6.9 Compliance and Relevant Laws Activities undertaken by successful Applicants must comply with all relevant Commonwealth, state, territory and local laws and regulations. This requirement is specified in the funding agreement, and action may be taken to terminate the funding agreement and/or require repayment of funds for non-compliance.

Part 7 Rights and Responsibilities

7.1 Applicants Responsibilities It is the responsibility of the Applicant to:

Inform themselves fully and properly of the requirements of the Program, these Guidelines and the requirements of the application process

Ensure that their application is complete and accurate, as Murray LLS is not obliged to request additional or missing information

Identify any information contained within their application which they consider should be treated as confidential, and provide reasons for the request (noting that Murray LLS will not be in breach of any confidentiality obligations where disclosure is required as outlined further in section below)

Keep a copy of their application and any attachments for their own records

Inform Murray LLS of any changes to their circumstances which may affect their application or their eligibility for Partnership and Capacity Building Grant under these Guidelines

Provide correct contact details of an appropriate person in the event that Murray LLS wish to discuss the application or provide notifications relating to the Program application or assessment process.

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Conflict of Interest Applicants are also required to declare in writing to Murray LLS where any actual, apparent, or potential Conflict of Interest exists or might arise in relation to their application that may impact on the application, the proposed project, or any funding agreement the Applicant may enter into with Murray LLS. Examples of Conflicts of Interest may include situations where the applicant or any of its personnel:

Has or has had a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is able to influence the application assessment process, such as a staff member of Murray LLS

Has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation which is likely to interfere with or restrict the applicant in carrying out the proposed activity 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 Murray LLS programs and initiatives. Risk: The 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. Murray LLS 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. If successful, the applicant will be required to:

ensure that Murray LLS is recognised as the investor and invited to participate in launches, communication and media opportunities

monitor their performance and capacity, be accountable for and transparent in their decision making, and identify measures to achieve continuous improvement in both their delivery of the Program’s Funding, and in their organisational performance.

7.2 Work Health and Safety Applicants, if successful, will be required to implement high standards of Work Health and Safety at all Project sites to the maximum extent possible, including providing a safe work environment and appropriate safety equipment for all project participants and ensuring safe access to project sites where work is being carried out. All parties must comply with the relevant Commonwealth, state or territory Work Health and Safety legislation.

7.3 False or Misleading Information Applicants are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted in an application. If an Applicant discovers any material discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or errors in their application they should immediately bring it to the attention of Murray LLS by contacting the appropriate Murray LLS contact officer. Murray LLS may request further information from an Applicant and allow an Applicant to remedy any discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or errors in an application. Murray LLS reserves the right to accept or disregard clarification information provided by an Applicant and Murray LLS will not accept responsibility for any misunderstanding arising from failure of the applicant to comply with these guidelines, or arising from any discrepancies, ambiguities, inconsistencies or errors in an application. Applicants that knowingly provide inadequate, false or misleading information may be excluded from the assessment process. Applicants should be aware that the giving of false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995.

7.4 Murray Local Land Services Rights Murray LLS reserves the right to amend these Guidelines in its absolute discretion and will where possible, provide reasonable notice of these amendments. Murray LLS also reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the assessment process at any time and in its absolute discretion.

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13 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

7.5 Disclaimer Murray LLS including their officers, employees, agents and advisors:

are not, and will not be, responsible or liable for the accuracy or completeness of any information in or provided in connection with these Guidelines

make no express or implied representation or warranty that any statement as to future matters will prove correct

disclaim any and all liability arising from any information provided to an Applicant, including errors in, or omissions contained in that information

except in so far as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, accept no responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions contained in these Guidelines

accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of that person, or any other person, placing reliance on the contents of these Guidelines or any other information provided by Murray LLS in respect of the Program.

7.6. Confidentiality and Privacy Applicants must identify any information contained within their application which they consider should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request. Murray LLS 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, and

disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned. Murray LLS is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Government, including disclosures to the Parliament and its Committees. Notwithstanding any obligations of confidentiality, Murray LLS may disclose, or allow at any time the disclosure of, any information contained in or relating to any application:

to their 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 funding agreement

to the responsible Ministers and/or respective Murray LLS Chairperson

in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the State or Commonwealth Parliament

within Murray LLS or with another agency, where this serves the Murray LLS and Government’s legitimate interests

where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that information submitted to Murray LLS is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and its requirements

where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of any relevant confidentiality obligation by Murray LLS.

In submitting an application, applicants consent to Murray LLS using the information contained in their application for the abovementioned purposes, for administering the Program and any other incidental or related purpose. Murray LLS will store and use the personal information collected by them in compliance with their obligations under the Privacy Act 1988. Murray Local land Services may publish successful Partnership and Capacity Building Grants when funding agreement is finalised and executed. Subject to the confidentiality provisions above, by submitting an application in accordance with these Guidelines, the applicant consents to its publication by Murray LLS if their application is successful.

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14 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – Application Guidelines

Part 8 Enquiries, Complaints, Feedback and Contact Details

8.1 Enquiries and complaints All enquiries and complaints will be handled consistent with Murray LLS policy and procedures.

8.2 Feedback Feedback is an important element of the Program’s delivery. An ongoing business review and improvement cycle is incorporated into the administration of the Program. This process looks at the Program’s design and utilises methods such as surveys, stakeholder feedback, assessor forums and other consultative processes. This continual improvement approach will help us to refine the Program over time and may inform Program auditing and evaluation.

8.3 Contact details for further information Details for Murray LLS grant program officers are as follows: Contacts Jade Miller Aboriginal Communities (Albury) Phone: 02 6051 2219 Mobile: 0427 896 265 Email: [email protected]

Dan Hutton Community Engagement (Deniliquin) Phone: 03 5880 1413 Mobile: 0427 330 613 Email: [email protected]

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15 Murray LLS: Partnership & Capacity Building Grant 2015 – RFP Guidelines: V4

ATTACHMENT 1: Murray Regions Catchment Action plan goals and management targets

This table 1 is an extract from the Murray Catchment Action Plan. The Murray goals and management targets reflect the basis for the Murray LLS natural resource management investment programs delivering this grant round.