Lower Hunter District 2015/16
Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Properties Program
Guidelines for Applicants
Program Information
Funding available
Total funding available is $60,000 from Catchment Action NSW
Applications open
30 October 2015
Closing date for
applications
Final date for
completion of
approved projects
30 November 2015
31 December 2016
Eligibility
Landholders of property in identified priority areas of Cessnock and Lake
Macquarie LGAs
Eligible activities
See Page 3
Minimum Hunter
Hunter LLS outputs to
be delivered overall by
this Program




6 landholders applying sustainable land management practices.
20ha area of biodiversity with improved management
10ha area managed for threatened species outcomes
1 Aboriginal Group engaged
Properties within:
Identified Priority
Areas
(funding restricted to)
 Quorrobolong to Paxton Areas (Cessnock LGA)
 Mandalong to West Wallsend (Lake Macquarie LGA – western side of
LGA and east of Watagans National Park and State Forest)
Funding available
Minimum of $3,000, and maximum of $10,000
Electronically: incentives.program@lls.nsw.gov.au or
Lodging applications
Conditions of Funding
Written:
Lower Hunter Small Grants Program
Hunter Local Land Services
Private Bag 2010
Paterson NSW 2421
- Standard Hunter LLS Grant funding terms and conditions apply (Page 5 of
these guidelines).
- Hunter LLS on-ground works minimum standards apply (Page 5-6 of these
guidelines).
Cessnock LGA priority area grants, contact:
Mick Budden – ph: 02 4938 4940
Email: michael.budden@lls.nsw.gov.au
Where to get
assistance?
Lake Macquarie LGA priority area grants, contact:
Carolyn Jenkinson - ph: 02 4355 8205
Email: carolyn.jenkinson@lls.nsw.gov.au
or
Hayley Leczkowski – ph: 02 4355 8209
Email: hayley.leczkowski@lls.nsw.gov.au
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About Local Land Services
Local Land Services (Hunter LLS) was established in January 2014 to deliver quality, customer-focused
services to farmers, landholders and the community across rural and regional New South Wales.
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:
 Agricultural production advice: supporting sustainable productive food and fibre industries;
 Biodiversity and natural resources protection and enhancement;
 Biosecurity services protecting New South Wales’ economy, environment and community from pests,
weeds and disease;
 Support for the people of NSW to deal with emergencies, in particular those related to biosecurity
threats and natural disasters.
These functions and services are delivered through a combination of Commonwealth and State funding,
grants, rates and user pays sources.
Hunter LLS covers from Lake Macquarie, north to Taree, and west to Merriwa and Murrurundi. For more
information on Hunter LLS, go to our website at www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
The Lower Hunter District is part of the Hunter LLS region, and includes the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port
Stephen, Maitland, Cessnock and Dungog Local Government Areas (LGAs).
About the Program
The Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Properties Program is a component of the 2015-16 Lower Hunter
District Service Delivery Plan. This Plan directs investment and services to Hunter LLS customers in the Lower
Hunter District.
This Biodiversity on Small Properties Program aims to provide capacity building, technical and financial
assistance to support landholders to develop and implement projects to improve integrated and sustainable
land management of native vegetation, biodiversity, grazing and pest animals. Funds for the grants are
provided through Hunter LLS from NSW Government’s Catchment Action NSW program.
Objectives
The objectives of Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Properties Program is to:
 Build landholder capacity to undertake improved land management.

Support and increase adoption of biodiversity management - to manage livestock, pastures, native
vegetation, biodiversity, weeds and invasive pest animals.

Strengthen local industry partnerships and landholder networks.

Develop and deliver extension products and services tailored to local client needs for improved triple
bottom line (economic, social and environmental) outcomes at a whole property scale.
Eligibility
Landholders, land managers and community organisations in the identified priority areas, subject to:

The project being located on a property in the identified priority area:
o Quorrobolong to Paxton areas (Cessnock LGA)
o Mandalong to West Wallsend (Lake Macquarie LGA – western side of LGA and east of
Watagans National Park and State Forest).

The proponents completing works for any previously funded projects.

The proposed works must be able to be completed by 31 December 2016.

Hunter LLS minimum standards for on-ground works being met.
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Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Farms – Grant Guidelines

The proposed activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native
Vegetation Act 2003, Work Health and Safety Act 2011

All current Hunter LLS financial obligations are paid.
Eligible Activities
The types of activities that can be funded under this Program include (but are not limited to):
 Management of grazing through the installation of livestock exclusion fencing to improve:
o
Natural regeneration of riparian or terrestrial vegetation,
o
Ground cover and soil health (sustainable grazing).

Installation of alternative watering systems supplementary to riparian fencing.

Revegetation with endemic native species to restore riparian and terrestrial vegetation.

Weed control associated with riparian and terrestrial vegetation management.

Pest animal management associated with the land management activities listed above.
*Please note that landholders are able to apply for grants and include engaging local Aboriginal Land
Management Teams or contractors to assist with undertaking some works including fencing, weed control and
revegetation planting. Ask your Hunter LLS contact officer for more information.
Types of activities that will not be funded under this program include:
 Proponents who have not completed the works for their previously Hunter LLS or Catchment
Management Authority (CMA) funded project will be ineligible for funding
 The proposed works must not be previously funded through a Hunter LLS or CMA funding agreement
and still subject to maintenance provisions.
 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.
 Purely production oriented activities.
 Major farm water supplies including irrigation.
 Activities that are the legal responsibility of the landholder, such as noxious weed control and
vertebrate pest management.
 Purchase of machinery and computer hardware and software, where there is no demonstrated land
use change.
 Activities more appropriately funded by other bodies.
 Activities that the land managers can reasonably be expected to undertake to ensure sustainable
management of areas under their control.
 Work that is undertaken before the project agreement for the proposal is signed or after the project
agreement ends.
 Projects that mainly beautify or improve amenity.
 Standard boundary fencing that is the landholder’s normal responsibility.
 Capital works, for example construction of buildings or viewing platforms to improve amenity.
 Expert advice that could alternatively be provided by the Hunter LLS or other government agency.
 Research.
 Any works for mostly private benefit.
 Activities that may be required due to: legal responsibilities, compliance with development consents
and/or reasonable duty of care.
 Activities that do not directly deliver on the specified Hunter LLS Strategic Plan outcomes.
Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Farms – Grant Guidelines
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Assessment Process
Applications will be initially screened to confirm that all eligibility criteria are met, and that there is sufficient
information in the application form for an assessment to be made.
Applications will then be assessed by a panel against the following criteria:
1. The likelihood that proposed land use changes/activities will result in improved sustainable land
management practices, including grazing and/or natural resource management (NRM) practices, and
achieves biodiversity outcomes on the property.
2. The proponent is committed to completing the project within a required duration, and undertaking the
required ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
3. Applicant has included an in-kind and/or cash contribution.
4. Applicant can demonstrate that the project provides public and private benefit, and represents value
for money.
5. A risk assessment of the likelihood of a successful project outcome for funding provided, and whether
an Aboriginal Land Management Team or contractor has been engaged to assist project.
6. 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.
Further rounds may be opened in 2016 if all funds are not allocated or other funds become available.
Where to get assistance?
Hunter LLS staff (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 Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Properties 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 30 November 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 30th November 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. -----------
Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Farms – Grant Guidelines
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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.
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.
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.
Minimum standards for on-ground
works
Monitoring and Reporting
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.
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
General
Fencing
All fencing (electric or standard) must be managed in a stockproof condition for the term of the agreement. In addition the
following standards apply:

Stock proof fencing to stabilise natural waterways:
o Fence to be permanent and located a minimum
distance back from the top of the high bank of 5m +
the full height of the high bank from the streambed +
an allowance for the rate of erosion versus
stabilisation.

Stock proof fencing to manage nutrient runoff or to restore
in-stream habitat:
o Fence to be permanent and located a minimum
distance back from the top of the high bank of 5m.

Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate native riparian
vegetation:
o Fence to be permanent and should be located a
minimum distance back from the top of the high bank
of 5-20m for riparian vegetation – to be negotiated
with Hunter LLS contact officer.

Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate remnant
native vegetation:
o Fence is to be permanent. Fencing around single
trees will generally not be funded.
All funded projects must be prepared to maintain current Public
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Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Farms – Grant Guidelines
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.
Lower Hunter Biodiversity on Small Farms – Grant Guidelines
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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