Waste Less Recycle More Initiative - Organics Infrastructure Fund
Organics Large and Small Infrastructure Grants Program
Funding Round 1
Guidelines for Applicants
Closing date: 5.00 pm 7 March 2014
Published by:
NSW Environmental Trust
PO Box 644, Parramatta 2124
Phone
Fax:
Email:
Website:
(02) 8837 6093
(02) 9895 6548
info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au
www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au
Report pollution and environmental incidents
Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or
info@environment.nsw.gov.au
See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au
ISBN: 978 1 74359 346 2
OEH 2013/0829
December 2013
Contents
Part 1: What You Need To Know About This Program ............................................................................... 1
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1
About the NSW Environmental Trust ........................................................................................................ 1
About the NSW Environmental Protection Authority ................................................................................ 1
About the Waste Less, Recycle More program package ......................................................................... 1
About The Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program .................................................... 2
Aims .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
Funding ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Objectives ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Part 2: Eligibility ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Can you apply? ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Conditions of eligibility .............................................................................................................................. 5
Compliance with NSW environment protection laws ................................................................................ 5
What will be funded?................................................................................................................................. 6
What will not be funded? .......................................................................................................................... 7
Funding from multiple sources .................................................................................................................. 7
Cost benefit analysis of projects and net public benefit test ..................................................................... 8
Best practice in sustainability .................................................................................................................... 8
What happens if I supply false or misleading information? ...................................................................... 8
Part 3: Assessment Criteria........................................................................................................................... 9
Part 4: Business Case Support ................................................................................................................... 11
Part 5: Application And Submission Process ........................................................................................... 12
Application/EOI form ............................................................................................................................... 12
Letters of support .................................................................................................................................... 12
Attachments ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Submitting your application form ............................................................................................................ 13
EOI Process ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Part 6: Assessment And Notification ......................................................................................................... 14
Acknowledgement of receipt of applications........................................................................................... 14
Notification of grant decisions ................................................................................................................. 14
Assessment and approval process ......................................................................................................... 14
Part 7: Obligations Of Successful Applicants ........................................................................................... 15
Funding Deed/Letters of Agreement....................................................................................................... 15
Confidentiality ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Intellectual property................................................................................................................................. 16
Tax .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Partnerships ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Program changes .................................................................................................................................... 16
Conflict of interest ................................................................................................................................... 16
Part 8: Explanation Of Application Form A ................................................................................................ 17
Part 9: Explanation Of Application Form B ................................................................................................ 24
Part 1: What you need to know about this program
Introduction
Please note the Application Form consists of three parts all of which must be completed and submitted
together (See Part 5 – Application and submission process of these Guidelines):
Grant Application Form
Section C: Milestone Budget
Section D: Project Plan
Word Document
Excel document
Word Document
About the NSW Environmental Trust
The NSW Environmental Trust (Trust) is an independent statutory body established by the New South Wales
Government to fund a broad range of organisations to undertake projects that enhance the environment of
NSW. The Trust is empowered under the Environmental Trust Act 1998, and its main responsibility is to make
and supervise the expenditure of grants. The Trust is administered by the Office of Environment and Heritage
(OEH), Department of Premier and Cabinet.
About the NSW Environmental Protection Authority
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is an independent statutory authority and the principle
environmental regulator in NSW. It leads the state’s response to managing a diverse range of activities that
can impact on the health of the NSW environment and its people, using a mix of tools including education,
partnerships, licensing and approvals, audit, enforcement and economic mechanisms. The EPA is empowered
under the Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (POEA Act).
About the Waste Less, Recycle More program package
In February 2013, the NSW Government announced the five-year $465.7 million Waste Less Recycle More
initiative in response to the findings of the independent review of the waste levy.
The NSW EPA is responsible for the delivery of programs under this initiative along with the overall outcomes.
The Trust is responsible for the delivery of the contestable grant programs. A key focus of this initiative is to
assist communities, business and industry across the NSW economy to reduce waste, increase recycling and
meet recycling targets in NSW 2021: A plan to make NSW Number One.
The initiative is made up of:


$250 million Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Package, consisting of:

$70 million Organics Infrastructure Fund

$70 million Community Recycling Centre Fund

$60 million Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Fund

$35 million Business Recycling Fund

$15 million Recycling Innovation Fund
$137.7 million Supporting Local Communities Fund, including:

$38.7 million Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment Transition Fund

$70 million Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Fund

$13 million Voluntary Regional Local Government Fund

$9 million Regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy Fund

$7 million Regional Landfill Consolidation Fund

$58 million Illegal Dumping Fund

$20 million Litter Fund
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
1
About The Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program
Aims
The four year Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program aims to support a broad range of
small and large infrastructure and equipment that reinforces the outcomes of other components of the Waste
Less Recycle More Initiative.
Increased small, medium, and large scale source separated organics processing capacity is needed as the
Local Government Organics Collection System grants program will increase the percentage of households
with kerbside organics collection systems from 56 percent to 70 percent and increase the number of councils
who offer a weekly food only or combined food and garden service. Also contributing to the expected increase
in the collection of organics will be the Business Recycling Rebates Program. This program will give small to
medium sized businesses free access to expert consultants to assess their recycling opportunities and they
will then be able to access small infrastructure rebates of up to $25,000 to assist in increased recycling,
including organics. It is anticipated that a minimum of 160,000 tonnes per year of additional source separated
organics will need processing due to these increased separation and collection initiatives.
Assisting the establishment of new or enhanced organics processing infrastructure is the main focus of the
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program. Processing infrastructure can range from high tech
anaerobic digestion facilities and computerised tunnel compost systems, to more basic facilities such as
forced air systems, geotextile fabric covers for windrows, and engineered compost pads. Facilities range from
large commercial operations servicing multiple councils and businesses through to small composting
operations below licensing thresholds potentially including the upgrading of sites owned by councils where
material is currently simply stockpiled, burnt or chipped. Equipment can include large scale shredders, tub
grinders, windrow turners, compost screening equipment and small scale equipment such as mobile
shredders and screens which can be shared by a number of regional council facilities.
The Business Recycling Rebate Program may increase the demand for on-site organics processing or preprocessing in large businesses including not-for- profit institutions such as prisons, universities and aged care
facilities. Where the cost of infrastructure exceeds $50,000, and is out of the scope of the Business Recycling
Fund, businesses will be able to apply to the Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program from
2014-15.
A part of a business’s organics management plan is to look at food avoidance first. The Food Waste
Avoidance Education grants program and Love Food Hate Waste Program target food waste avoidance.
Where business food waste is unavoidable, food donation may be the next best option. The Love Food Hate
Waste program in partnership with Do Something published a Food Donation Tool Kit in 2012. Not-for-profit
organisations collect and distribute approximately 6,500 tonnes of donated food per year. Assistance for
infrastructure such as small vans, refrigeration and sorting/storage warehouses has been identified by these
organisations as crucial in increasing food donation tonnages. The need for this type of infrastructure is also
addressed within the Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program.
Small scale organics infrastructure can also include home composting bins and worm farms. Home
composting workshops provide opportunities to communicate messages about waste avoidance, recycling and
the benefits of using recycled organics. The provision of funding for compost bins and worm farms will give
councils added resources to expand and enhance home composting courses. These courses can prove a
valuable, locally appropriate, community engagement tool for developing a range of best practice recycling
behaviours. While councils often contract the work out to specialist education providers to achieve maximum
outcomes the workshops need to be part of council’s overall waste management strategy.
The four year Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program will therefore support four streams:
1.
the establishment of new or enhanced infrastructure to process food, garden or combined food and
garden organics from households and/or businesses
2.
on-site processing or pre-processing of organics at large businesses and not-for-profit institutions such as
prisons, universities and aged care facilities (from 2014-15)
3.
infrastructure to facilitate the collection and redistribution of food waste from businesses to people in need
4.
compost bins and/or worm farms to enhance council organics waste management workshops and home
composting programs
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
2
Funding
Contestable grants of between $25,000 and $5 million, covering up to 50 percent of the capital costs relating
to the infrastructure and equipment are available. Applicants that are willing to contribute more will be favoured
in the grant assessment process.
Where the equipment relates to food donation and the project is conducted by a registered not-for-profit
organisation, the social benefit of the project may justify this program contributing up to 90 percent to the
capital costs.
The priority for funding is for projects that increase the processing capacity (i.e. stream 1) of source separated
organics collected from households and businesses.
Applications seeking funding above $1million will be deemed to be Expressions of Interest (EOI) and will be
required to submit a full business case and cost benefit analysis if invited to do so by the Trust.
Objectives
The Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grant objectives include:

improving the processing capacity for source separated organics from households and businesses

ensuring larger businesses have access to detailed technical support and infrastructure assistance to
manage their organics waste

increasing the donation and redistribution of unavoidable food waste from businesses

enhancing home composting education and infrastructure programs
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
3
Part 2: Eligibility
Can you apply?
Organisations eligible under this funding:
Stream
Who can apply

1.
The establishment of new or enhanced
infrastructure to process food, garden or
combined food and garden organics from
households and/or businesses
2.
On-site processing or pre-processing of
organics at large businesses where the
technical assistance and infrastructure
assistance is greater than what is
available through the Business Advisory
Service and Rebates program






NSW councils (as defined by the Local Government
Act)
regional organisations of councils
local government controlled organisations
businesses/private Industry (as defined by the
Corporations Act) that are experienced in waste
management and/or organics processing
businesses/private industry (as defined by the
Corporations Act)
universities, prisons, TAFEs and other government
institutions
not for profit organisations
Note: Funding will be available from 2014-15
3.
Infrastructure to facilitate the collection
and redistribution of food waste from
businesses to people in need

not-for-profit* organisations with an established legal
status
4.
Compost bins and/or worm farms to
enhance council organics waste
management workshops and home
composting programs

NSW councils (as defined by the Local Government
Act)
regional organisations of councils
local government controlled organisations
*


Not-for-profit organisations incorporated under the Corporations Act must provide proof of their non-profit
status:

a certified copy of the company’s latest extract of particulars issued by the Australian Securities and

Investments Commission (ASIC) indicating their non-profit status; or

a certified extract of the company’s constitution that includes provisions that:

prohibit the company from making any distribution – whether in money, property or otherwise – to
its members during the course of its operations

prohibit from making any distribution (whether in money, property or otherwise) to its members on
dissolution

ensure profits made by the organisation are used to carry out the organisation's purposes
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
4
Conditions of eligibility
Applicants must also meet certain conditions in order to qualify for funding. In order to be considered for
funding you must:

complete the Trust’s Application Form, including Section C: Milestone Budget and Section D: Project
Plan

demonstrate in your application that your project is aligned with the program objectives

demonstrate in your application that your project will provide value for money, deliver public benefits
and will deliver significant resource recovery outcomes

ensure your application is received by the closing date, late applications will not be accepted and will be
returned

be able to demonstrate that previous government grants have been managed effectively

have or can demonstrate that all necessary planning, regulatory or other approvals will be in place
Compliance with NSW environment protection laws
Please note that the Trust with support from the EPA will consider the compliance history of applicants under
NSW environment protection laws, including penalty notices, clean up notices, prevention notices, license
suspensions, licence revocations, convictions or prosecutions under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974,
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
In addition, applicants are not eligible for the grant if, on or after 7 March 2014 they, or any directors or
managers of the applicants (whether as directors or managers of the applicants or otherwise in their personal
capacity or including where they have been directors or managers of other companies), have contravened any
provision of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (“POEO Act”) with the result of avoiding,
minimising or undermining the requirement to pay any waste contributions required under section 88 of the
POEO Act.
For the purposes of this matter, the relevant provisions of the POEO Act are sections 48, 64, 88, 115, 120,
142A, 143, 144, 144AA, s144AB or 211 of the POEO Act or Part 2 of the Protection of the Environment
Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 in relation to any waste activities where a consequence of the
contravention has the result of the avoidance, minimisation or undermining of the waste contribution. This
also includes a contravention of any clause of a resource recovery exemption.
These matters can be taken into account whether or not any regulatory action has taken place in relation to
those contraventions, including whether or not court proceedings have been commenced or an offence has
been proven in court proceedings.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
5
What will be funded?
Contributions to a large range of built infrastructure and equipment will be eligible provided that the applicant
demonstrates the infrastructure and equipment contributes to achieving the objectives of the Organics
Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program. Examples of infrastructure and equipment for the four
funding streams include, but are not limited to those shown in the following table:
Stream
1.
2.
3.
The establishment of new or enhanced
infrastructure to process food, garden or
combined food and garden organics from
households and/or businesses
On-site processing or pre-processing of
organics at large businesses where the
technical
assistance
and
infrastructure
assistance is greater than what is available
through the Business Advisory Service and
Rebates program – (From 2014 -15)
Infrastructure to facilitate the collection and
redistribution of food waste from businesses to
people in need
Examples

new and/or enhanced major organics processing
facilities including anaerobic digestion, tunnel
composting and windrow composting facilities

upgrades to composting facilities to decrease the
environmental risk where the facility is expanding
processing capacity to include food waste

sheds to enclose the receipt of material and/or
early composting stages

signage and barriers

engineered compost pads

shredders and trommel screens

aeration management equipment

windrow covers

on-site food processing equipment

contamination management equipment

training in the use of the new equipment

small delivery vans

energy efficient refrigeration equipment

warehouse shelving

where the equipment is for the sole use of
collection, storage and or redistribution of
donated food
 compost bins
 worm farms
 where the equipment is:
4.
Compost bins and/or worm farms to enhance
council organics waste management workshops
and home composting programs



used within a new or enhanced home
composting and/or worm farming education
program
part of council’s overall organics
management strategy
combined with an education component that
includes waste avoidance and behaviour
change is monitored
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
6
What will not be funded?
Ineligible items include:

equipment purchased, or activities undertaken or committed to prior to notification of the outcome of the
grant process

equipment to process or handle organics where a contract is already in place for supply of the organics
for three years or more

operational expenses including cars, fuel, electricity, equipment maintenance and staff costs (other than
staff costs associated with training)

project management costs

capital expenditure costs related to processing of non-source separated organics, organics from sources
other the municipal or commercial and industrial waste stream or organics that would not have
previously been disposed to landfill, stockpiled or burnt at a waste facility

statutory requirements such as development consent, operating licenses, or the conditions thereof

activities, projects or infrastructure outside NSW or processing waste generated outside NSW

compost spreaders for application of processed organics to land

collection trucks (other than for food donation)

equipment that will not be solely used for the project described in the grant application

assistance above $5 million per applicant (except where an applicant is seeking funding for multiple
composting facilities across NSW)

land

research
Funding from multiple sources
Funding under this program requires a co-contribution. You must be able to demonstrate this in your
application budget. Some large projects may require multiple sources of funding. In order for us to make fair
decisions about allocating grants, setting funding priorities and avoiding duplication with other government
agencies, you are required to advise us if you:

have secured funding from another government agency or other source for the same or related activities
to those funded by the Trust

have current applications lodged with other government agencies or other potential funders

receive funding from other government agencies or other sources whilst your project is underway
The Trust will inform you of how it will progress your application if these circumstances arise.
The Trust encourages applicants to develop projects which include partnerships, collaboration, other funding
sources and in-kind contributions. These all tend to improve outcomes of projects and will make your
application more competitive.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
7
Cost benefit analysis of projects and net public benefit test
Applicants will need to undertake a cost benefit analysis of their project to ensure that approved projects will
provide value for money, deliver public benefits and will deliver significant resource recovery outcomes. This is
a form of economic appraisal that will assist the Environmental Trust to understand the private and public
benefits associated with your proposal. Commercially sound projects that seek to maximise public benefits
(such as diversion of waste from landfill, donation of food waste, broader environmental benefits, and creation
of new jobs) will be favourably considered.
As part of the application form for Stream 1 processing, Stream 2 business waste and Stream 3 food
donations, applicants will need to:

identify all costs (capital, operating, maintenance, provision for contingencies)

identify the benefits (e.g. avoided costs, savings, revenue from sale of recovered materials)

assess net benefits including:

net present value with and without grant funding

benefit cost ratio

internal rate of return ( percent)

dollars of grant funding per tonne of additional material donated or recycled

undertake sensitivity testing (analyse option under different scenarios and discount rates)

document all references to data sources and assumptions
A preliminary business case including cost benefit analysis is required for grant applications of less than
$1,000,000 and for the expression of interests for larger grant projects. Proponents of projects seeking
$1,000,000 to $5,000,000 in grant funding, if invited to submit a full application, will be required to build on
their application so that a full business case and cost benefit analysis is provided with their detailed second
application.
Part 4 provides information about business case support and Part 8 provides some guidance on answering
questions in the grant application form. For further guidance on conducting a cost benefit analysis, applicants
should refer to NSW Treasury’s NSW Government Guidelines for Economic Appraisal.
Best practice in sustainability
It is an expectation that projects will implement best practice in sustainability. This can be defined as being
mindful of the ‘big picture’ in designing, building, upgrading or enhancing a facility. In your application you will
also need to demonstrate a commitment to incorporating sustainability principles into the design of your
project. The NSW Government’s Sustainability Policy is a useful reference. You should also include any
associated actions your organisation has already implemented, or intends to implement, including reference to
local/organisational strategies, policies or plans.
What happens if I supply false or misleading information?
Applicants must certify that all of the information in the application is true and correct. Please note that if
applicants supply information that is false or misleading, the application will not be considered OR, if the grant
is made and it is discovered that information supplied was false or misleading, the grant will be revoked and
funds, plus interest, must be repaid.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
8
Part 3: Assessment Criteria
Selection for Trust grants is a state-wide, merit-based process. Eligible applications will be assessed by the
Technical Committee against the assessment criteria, set out in the following tables.
The purpose of the application form is to present information that will allow the Technical Committee to assess
how well your project meets the assessment criteria. Your application should be prepared with these criteria
in mind.
Assessment Criteria for:
Stream 1 (Processing); Stream 2 (Business waste) and Stream 3 (Food donation)
1. Amount of organics diverted

Improved capacity to handle/recover source separated organics that may otherwise be landfilled
(tonnes/year)
2. Market analysis

Qualitative assessment of the likelihood that additional source separated organics supply will occur
 source of additional organics material identified
 pricing and service offering viable/credible

Qualitative assessment of the likelihood the recovered organics are beneficially utilised
 markets/uses are identified
 appropriate specifications and quality standards for products
 pricing and service offering are viable/credible
3. Technical analysis

Suitability of the facility/equipment for the proposed location

Effectiveness of the technology for the proposed application

Evidence that the technology has been proven in similar applications
4. Cost benefit analysis

Financial viability of the project

Net public benefits based on the cost benefit analysis and compliance with NSW Treasury’s Economic
Appraisal Guidelines
5. Approvals, licensing and best practice

Management systems

Ability to obtain relevant approvals and licensing requirements

Performance history
6.
Project impacts


Environmental benefits (including non-market costs and benefits)
Social benefits
Economic benefits
7.
Value for money


Grant dollars invested per annual tonne of additional recycling capacity

Co-investment leveraged
8.
Demonstrated ability to deliver the project to a high standard

Sound project planning and methodology

Demonstrated management skills, expertise and relevant experience
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
9
Assessment Criteria for:
Stream 4 (home composting)
1. Engage a range of participants and/or local networks

Target audience clearly defined

Other organisations/networks used to help target participation
2. Build capacity of the target audience to avoid food waste and recycle organics at home

Objectives clearly defined

The project addresses local needs

The project aligns with the NSW Learning for Sustainability plan

The selected community education and engagement methods are suitable for the target audience

Food waste avoidance messaging is well integrated into the project
3. Measure behavioural change

Target/outcomes are clearly defined

Monitoring of behaviour change is included in the business plan
4. Incorporate similar behaviour change into on-going sustainability projects and programs

The projects links to councils waste management strategy

Project achievements will be promoted

The outcome of the projects will be sustained
5. Provide value for money


Cash and in kind support is available (co investment is leveraged)
Grant dollars invested per annual tonne of waste diverted is low
6. Demonstrate ability to deliver the project to a high standard

Sound project planning and methodology
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
10
Part 4: Business Case Support
The EPA will make available up to eight hours of business case support to prospective applicants for grant
funding of between $500,000 and $1 million and 16 hours of business case support for projects seeking grant
funding of $1 million to $5 million. The role of the advisors will be to support the applicant as they prepare their
business case; advising on appropriate analysis, content and presentation of information. The advisor will also
provide comment and critical feedback on the quality of the business case presented. Business cases
prepared in a consistent format and to high standards will streamline the assessment process and increase
the overall quality of grant applications.
The advisors will cover the following areas of planning and analysis expertise:

market analysis, including supply of waste and demand for product

technical analysis, including selection, integration and optimisation of plant and equipment

cost benefit analysis, including the preparation of a cost benefit analysis consistent with NSW Treasury
Guidelines and assessment of net public benefits

economic analysis, including the external costs and benefits

planning and licensing analysis

project planning to detail steps involved in commissioning and ongoing operation of the infrastructure
Advisors will not be funded by the EPA to:

gather the necessary background information (although they can provide advice on where to access the
necessary information. It is expected that the applicant would have already developed or have this
ready)

prepare a complete business case on behalf of the applicant

prepare a complete Environmental Trust grant application on behalf of the applicant
To apply for business case support, applicants must complete the EPA Business Case Advisory Service
application form on the Trust website. Apply as soon as possible as there are only a limited number of
advisors and limited time period available prior to the close of grant applications.
The provision of support is at the discretion of the EPA and not all applicants will receive support, however not
receiving support does not infer ineligibility under this program.
If you are successful, the EPA program manager will contact you and will arrange a meeting time with the
advisor. Advisors are contracted by the EPA and are bound to keep information provided by applicants
confidential.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
11
Part 5: Application and submission process
Application/EOI form
The Application/EOI Form consist of three parts:
1.
Grant Application Form (Preliminary Business Case)
Word Document
2.
Section C – Milestone and Budget Table
Excel document
3.
Section D – Project Plan
Word document.
These documents along with the application for Business Case Support can be downloaded from the Trust’s
website or can be obtained in hard copy from the Trust on (02) 8837 6093.
Note:
The application form is locked. This means that the size of the text boxes will not expand, so ensure
your answer fits in the space provided. Do not continue to type beyond the bottom of the text box.
Who to contact if you need further help
Trust
For assistance with completing the Application Form, including any technical difficulties with entering
your responses please contact the Grants Administrator by telephone on (02) 8837 6093, or by email
at: info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au
EPA
General program related issues or questions: please contact the EPA by phone on (02) 9995 6875
info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Letters of support
If letters of support are submitted with your application they must be signed by a senior manager or senior
officer bearer of the organisation providing them.
Attachments
Any additional material submitted with your application must be kept to a minimum. Please limit the number
and size of attachments, as large attachments will not be forwarded to the Technical Committee for
consideration.
Example of acceptable numbers of attachments:
1. Cost benefit analysis (maximum 5 pages)
2. Additional attachments (maximum 3 pages each)
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
12
Submitting your application form

If emailing your application, ensure you email your entire application, including attachments. Trust staff
will not attach posted information to emailed applications. Therefore, if you cannot email your entire
application, including attachments, please use post or hand delivery. Emails cannot be larger than
10MB including attachments.

If using post or hand delivery do not bind or staple your application or attachments.
You application must be received by the Trust by:
Closing date application: Friday 7 March 2014
Where to send your completed Application Form
Submit your application by one of two methods (DO NOT email AND post).
E-mail to: (preferred method)
info@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au
DO NOT FAX
OR
Post to:
NSW Environmental Trust
PO Box 644
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
EOI Process
Applications for funding above $1million will be considered to be an Expression of Interest. Successful
applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application including full business case. The detailed application
will require you to confirm information provided in the initial EOI and include more accurate cost estimates
(within 10 percent of actual). You will also be required to submit a detailed implementation proposal including
documentation of:

project plan

governance model

procurement strategy

change management strategy

benefits realisation strategy

stakeholder consultation strategy

resourcing issues
This information needs to be detailed and needs to explain how implementation will be managed and delivered
(see the NSW Treasury Guidelines for Capital Business Cases).
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
13
Part 6: Assessment and notification
Acknowledgement of receipt of applications
You should expect acknowledgement of your Application Form within four weeks of the closing date.
Confirmation will include one unique reference number, which should be used in all correspondence to and
from the Trust. If you do not receive acknowledgement within four weeks, please contact the NSW
Environmental Trust on (02) 8837 6093.
Note:
If you email your application, the Trust will acknowledge receipt of your email within two working days.
If you have not received notification of receipt of your email within this time it is your responsibility to
contact the Trust to ensure that your email has been received.
Notification of grant decisions
The Minister for the Environment will publicly announce the successful applicants. Applicants will also be
notified in writing.
Assessment and approval process
After the closing date, Trust Administration staff will check whether your application is eligible and complete for
assessment purposes.
The Trust establishes a Technical Committee for each grants program. The Trust’s Technical Committees are
made up of people with knowledge and experience relevant to each grant program and include at least one
representative from community groups and at least one representative from industry. Committee members
agree to undertake their duties within the principles of ethical conduct – integrity, objectivity and
independence. They are also required to keep all matters concerning applications confidential and to declare
any potential conflict of interest.
The Technical Committee will assess the merit of your proposal by using the assessment criteria outlined in
Part 3 of these guidelines and will make recommendations to the Trust. The Trust determines and approves
the funding. Successful applicants may not receive the full amount requested and may be subject to special,
as well as general, conditions of funding. A copy of the standard Deed of Agreement can be found on the
Trust’s website.
Unsuccessful applicants can request feedback on their applications by contacting the Trust Administration
staff.
Decisions by the Trust are final. There is no appeal process.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
14
Part 7: Obligations of successful applicants
Funding Deed/Letters of Agreement
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a performance-based deed or letter of agreement which will
stipulate all funding obligations and conditions. The Trust will monitor the progress of projects. Funding is
normally provided in staged payments, and continuing payments are dependent on satisfactory Milestone
Reports.
Successful applicants will have up to 30 days from the date of formal notification of the offer of funding to sign
a deed/letter of agreement. If the deed/letter of agreement are not signed within the specified period, the offer
of funding will automatically lapse.
Successful applicants will also be required to:

demonstrate that any previous Trust grants received by your organisation are progressing to the Trust’s
satisfaction

provide written evidence from any project partners who are contributing funds to the project

have or can demonstrate that all necessary planning, regulatory or other approvals will be granted, to
ensure all project activities are completed within the designated timeframe

confirm a final schedule of payment and reporting dates relative to project activities

sign a Deed of Agreement that sets out terms and conditions associated with the grant

provide evidence of appropriate insurance coverage as determined in the deed of agreement

forward a tax invoice to the Trust for each instalment of their grant, plus GST if applicable

seek prior approval to alter proposed project plan, project measures, timeframe or budget

comply with all conditions contained in the Deed / Letter of Agreement

provide Milestone and Final Evaluation Reports in accordance with the reporting requirements outlined
in the deed of agreement, including an independently audited financial Statement of Expenditure

acknowledge the Trust’s and EPA’s support in all promotional material or any public statement about
your project. Your acknowledgement must include the Trust’s and the EPA’s logo in written material

be prepared for all knowledge gained as part of the grant to be made publicly available whether that be
publishing the final report or promoting the project via other avenues available to the Trust
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
15
Confidentiality
The Trust will use the information you supply to assess your project for funding. Information on funding
projects may be used for promotional purposes.
We will endeavour to treat sensitive personal and confidential information that you provide to us confidentially.
If you require strict commercial confidentially, you should request this in your application. However, all
documents held by the Trust are subject to the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.
Intellectual property
The applicant must own or be able to lawfully use any intellectual property required to carry out the project.
The applicant will be required to grant the Trust (without cost) a non-exclusive irrevocable licence to use,
reproduce, communicate to the public, or adapt the intellectual property in the project.
Tax
Good and Services Tax (GST) applies to payments made under the Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small)
grants program. However, some grants of financial assistance may be subject to income tax in the hands of
certain recipients. It is therefore recommended that potential recipients seek independent legal and financial
advice if uncertain of the taxation obligations.
Partnerships
Do not underestimate the importance of partnerships when planning your project. Obtaining the support of
other organisations/groups can significantly add value to a project by spreading ‘ownership’ of the project to a
wider audience and sharing responsibility for the project outcomes. You must provide evidence of your project
partners’ support when submitting your application.
Program changes
The Trust reserves the right, as its sole and absolute discretion and at any time, to change the eligibility and
selection criteria for the Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) grants program. Current eligibility and
selection criteria for the Fund are described by this document.
Conflict of interest
Refers to question Section D in your Application Form
Applicants are required to declare any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest (COI) that they may be
aware of in relation to the awarding of a grant, particularly where:

the project for which funds are being sought is to be undertaken on private land where that land is

owned by a member or members (or relatives) of the organisation applying for the grant

members, or relatives of members, of the applicant organisation are being paid as project managers

with Trust funds

members, or relatives of members, of the applicant organisation are being paid as contractors with

Trust funds

works carried out by the project could create current or future financial or other benefit for members

of the organisation applying for the grant, or their relatives
Such circumstances do not exclude the project from being funded, however they do need to be
acknowledged as a potential COI. The Technical Committee will assess each situation on its merits and
environmental need.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
16
Part 8: Explanation of application form A
For Stream 1 (processing; Stream 2 (business waste); and Stream 3 (food donation)
Project title
A1
This is the title of your project and will be used on promotional material, on the Trust website,
funding deed and any other relevant project materials. It should be short and no more than 68
characters long.
Project category
A2
Select the category to which your project belongs. It is important that you select the right category
because your application will be assessed against similar projects.
Time frame
Provide the proposed start date and a description of what action or event you consider represents
the start of the project. The purchase of equipment or construction of infrastructure should not
begin until the funding agreement has been signed and returned to the Trust. The project must
commence within one year and be completed within three years of signing the grant agreement. If
the grant funding is more than $1 million, a further year will be considered.
A3
Milestones: Please enter the dates you expect to achieve, and descriptions of, the major
milestones of your project. A Milestone is a significant event in the project signifying the
commencement and/or completion of a major deliverable. Milestones will be linked to Trust
reporting and payments. Examples of milestones include completion of detailed planning and
costing, equipment purchase/ construction commencement, facility commissioning.
These dates should be based on your in-house planning and the length of time you estimate to
implement key stages of your project. Complete this part of the application form once you have
completed Section D: Project Plan.
Budget
Enter the requested grant funding for each milestone. This becomes your payment schedule. The
figures here are based on the totals you have in Section C – Application Budget. Complete this
part of the application form once you have completed your financial spread sheet.
A4
Note: If your project is more than a year in length, not all Trust funding can be received in year 1;
grants cannot exceed $5,000,000; grant requests cannot be for greater than 50 percent of
the project costs (90 percent if you are a registered not for profit and it is a stream 2
project); and these amounts must equal the amounts in Section C.
An example of a suitable payment schedule is:




20 percent on signing of the funding deed
30 percent completion of detailed facility planning, costing and approvals
40 percent construction or purchase of equipment
10 percent commissioning of the equipment or facility
Project Location
A5
Give the name and address of the site where the equipment or facility will be located as well as the
local government area/s and state electorate/s where the organics will be sourced from.
Has your organisation previously received Environmental Trust, EPA or OEH funding?
A6
Please only include current and recent grants. Your grant application will be assessed on how well
previous grants were implemented.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
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What is the legal status of your organisation?
A7 (a)
A7 (b)
Please read carefully ‘Part 2 Eligibility - Who can apply, in these guidelines. Each funding stream
is open to a specified range of organisations. If your organisation is not eligible your application will
not be considered.
Additional information is requested for stream 2 (business waste) projects. Describe why you are
not eligible for the Business Recycling Fund (Business Advisory Service/ Bin Trim and Rebates
program). Did you discuss your project with the EPA or a Bin Trim Assessor? Is your equipment
greater than $50,000?
Management structure
Details of key individuals: List the main people involved in managing and implementing the
project. Experience in similar projects and support/involvement of senior management is
beneficial. For larger projects this should be demonstrated through attachment of CVs or letters.
A8
Years trading: this is not required for government organisations
Number of personnel: for some organisations this may include paid staff as well as volunteers,
students, prisoners etc. Depending on the type of project this figure gives an indication of
resources to potentially add value to the project, be impacted by the project or the size of the
project relative to the total size of the organisation.
A9 (a)
A9 (b)
Organisation details - contact person for the project
Only answer this question if you are submitting an application as an individual organisation.
Alternatively answer question 10 if the project is being delivered by an alliance or partnership.
Organisation details - contact person for the project
Only answer this question if you are submitting an application as an alliance or partnership.
A10(a)
A10(b)
If your application is successful a letter from each partner confirming participation in the alliance
will be required at the time of accepting the grant. It is expected that an agreement will have been
reached between all partners in relation to project management and submission of milestone
reports. This must be signed by all parties and be submitted with the funding deed if you are
successful.
NSW environment protection laws and compliance
The NSW Environmental Trust with support from the NSW Environment Protection Authority will
consider the compliance history of applicants under NSW environment protection laws, including
penalty notices, clean up notices, prevention notices, license suspensions, licence revocations,
convictions or prosecutions under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Protection of the
Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Native Vegetation Act 2003.
A11 (a)
A11 (b)
A11 (c)
A11 (d)
In addition, applicants are not eligible for the grant if, on or after 7 March 2014 they, or any
directors or managers of the applicants (whether as directors or managers of the applicants or
otherwise in their personal capacity or including where they have been directors or managers of
other companies), have contravened any provision of the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997 (“POEO Act”) with the result of avoiding, minimising or undermining the
requirement to pay any waste contributions required under section 88 of the POEO Act.
For the purposes of this matter, the relevant provisions of the POEO Act are sections 48, 64, 88,
115, 120, 142A, 143, 144, 144AA, s144AB or 211 of the POEO Act or Part 2 of the Protection of
the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 in relation to any waste activities where a
consequence of the contravention has the result of the avoidance, minimisation or undermining of
the waste contribution. This also includes a contravention of any clause of a resource recovery
exemption.
These matters can be taken into account whether or not any regulatory action has taken place in
relation to those contraventions, including whether or not court proceedings have been
commenced or an offence has been proven in court proceedings.
A12
Has your organisation already purchased any of the equipment/infrastructure for which you are
applying for in this application?
Grant funding is only available for new or enhanced activities, equipment and infrastructure.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
18
Project description
B1.1
Please describe your project in 100 words or less. This summary will need to be succinct and
include the main activities and outcomes that you want to achieve. The summary will be used to
promote your project on the Trust’s website and will be used for all promotional material relating to
the project i.e. media, case studies, etc.
Please provide information as to why this project would not go ahead without funding from this
program
Funding will not be provided for activities which it is reasonable to expect would occur without
assistance of this Grants Program, including those sufficiently cost-effective to implement without
funding assistance.
Please describe why this project would not proceed without funding assistance. For applicants
where the cost savings from the project will accrue to the organisation, the following questions
should be answered:
B1.2



What is your estimated annual increase in revenue and/or reduction in expenses?
Incorporating these revenues/expenses, how does the payback period or internal rate of
return for the project relate to your organisation’s usual hurdle rates for project
investment?
Have other forms of finance been considered for part or the entire project. If not, why not?
If it has been rejected, what was the basis for this decision?
For projects where there are no financial barriers to proceeding, or where cost savings from the
project will not accrue to the organisation, state:


What are the non-financial barriers to implementing the project?
How will the funding assistance help the project proceed?
If this project is part of your organisation’s longer term plans, how will funding from this
program accelerate your projects implementation?
B1.3
If funding will allow you to bring forward a project that you intended to implement after 1 July 2014,
please outline how you would facilitate the fast-tracking of the project without it having any
negative impacts on other parts of your business.
Business case support
B1.4 (a)
B1.4(b)
Please refer to Part 4 of these guidelines for a description of the business case support service
available to applicants for grant funding of $500,000 or greater. Also refer to the separate word
document on the Environmental Trust website for an application to apply for business case
support. Note there is a limited pool of experts engaged to provide this independent expert
assistance. Applications for business case support should be submitted as early as possible.
Detail how the project will implement best practice in sustainability
B1.5
Demonstration of incorporating elements of sustainability could include energy efficient equipment,
using endemic species in landscape design, use of LED lighting or incorporating natural lighting
where possible, using recycled construction materials, and incorporating water sensitive urban
design principles.
Criterion 1: Amount of organics diverted - contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
Types and sources of organics
B1.6 (a)
Please list the types of organics you intend to recover and their source/s. For example garden
organics from householders throughout Greenwell local government area, or food scraps from
students at Greenwell University main campus, or fresh and processed foods donated from small
to medium businesses in the suburbs of Greenwell and Foodwell.
For larger projects and regional facilities there is likely to be a number of types of organics and a
number of sources of organics. List all anticipated sources and types of organics but just provide
an overview, further details on these sources of organics will be required in questions related to
selection criterion 2 - market analysis.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
19
Please describe the quantities of existing and additional quantities of organics the
project/facility will handle (tonnes/year)
B 1.6 (b)
Funding is available for new or enhanced facilities therefore the description of how much organics
you currently handle on the site may be x tonnes or 0 tonnes. When describing additional tonnes
be clear as to the initial and future increased capacity if the grant project is a staged project or built
capacity is not anticipated to be fully utilised for a number of years. Your grant progress reports
and milestone payments may be related to these tonnages diverted from landfill so include realistic
tonnages and timeframes.
Do not include existing quantities of source separated organics managed at facilities that are not
directly part of this grant project. Your experience in operating other facilities is part of criterion 7.
Criterion 2: Market analysis – contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
If the project site currently handles organics recovery please list the existing arrangements for
supply of organics
B 2.1
Include descriptions of contractual arrangements or agreements, suppliers, dates of when the
agreements commenced, dates of when the agreements end, and provisions for renewal. This
information helps establish that the existing facilities and services (that the grant project intends to
expand) are viable and won’t adversely impact on the expansion plans.
Please provide information on the expected supply of the additional/new organics
B 2.2
Include a description of where you expect to obtain the additional organics, how much each
supplier will provide, where these organics currently go, what charge you expect these suppliers to
pay, why they will use your new service for this cost and any negotiations/ discussions that have
already taken place.
Describe the competition that currently exists in the market for the source material that you
propose to accept as part of this grant project
B 2.3
Provide a general description of how your project fills a need rather than competes with existing
facilities/services. Where the project involves processing of municipal waste include a reference to
the local regional waste strategy (where available) and any discussions you have had with councils
and processors in the locality.
Please provide information on the expected demand for your end product
B 2.4
Whether composting organics, picking up donated food, collecting source separated organics
within your site and pre or fully processing it, there will an end product. Explain why there will be a
demand for your end product. Describe who you expect will use these recovered resources, the
price you expect for this product or service, whether you are replacing a different product or
service, and the standards that need to be met to ensure there is demand for your product.
Note under Clause 51 and 51A of the Protection of the Environment (Waste) Regulation 2005,
compliance with a Resource Recovery Exemption is required in order for a waste to be lawfully
used on land or as a fuel.
Considering the last 3 years, demand for the recovered resource are increasing, decreasing,
fluctuating, stable? Comment
B 2.5
Describe the trend in the market demand for the organics product you are collecting or producing
by ticking the appropriate box. You may also include a comment for example on the future
anticipated trend, price, work locally to create market demand etc.
Criterion 3: Technical analysis – contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
Describe your current facility/site
B 3.1
Give a general description of the processes currently occurring on and near your site. The grant
project may be enhancing the current process or be a new process on an existing site and need to
work compatibility alongside these existing activities.
Describe, based on the market analysis done, what infrastructure and equipment you intend to
purchase
B 3.2
Describe the technology/process/equipment you consider meets the market need and why. Include
a description of whether this technology/process/ equipment is commonly used in NSW, Australia
or elsewhere.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
20
Describe the analysis that has been undertaken in selecting this specific infrastructure and
equipment
B 3.3
In your description include information on why the infrastructure and equipment is suitable for: the
type of organics and volume of organics involved in your projects; your facility and your staff. Have
you considered operating costs and skills, maintenance needs, odour and quality control,
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) considerations in selecting the equipment? What other types
of infrastructure/equipment was considered and why was it ruled out?
Criterion 4: Cost/benefit analysis – contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
Utilise a cost benefit analysis to describe the public and private benefits associated with your
proposal ( provide an overview here and attach your calculations)
Applicants should undertake as a minimum a streamlined cost benefit analysis (CBA) of their
project to ensure that approved projects will provide value for money for the government, deliver
public benefits and will deliver significant resource recovery outcomes. The analysis will also
demonstrate that the project is economically sound. The level of detail and analysis will depend on
the size and scope of your project. Ensure your analysis is consistent with information provided in
other sections of your application, budget and project plan. Assistance and/or peer review of your
cost benefit analysis is available through the Business Case Advisory service offered with this
grant program.
Your analysis should:




B 4.1








Identify the objective of your project as well as the options you considered. For example an
objective of increasing the quantity of material composted at a site could be address by
pushing material through quicker – resulting in possible quality and odour issues
Identify different technologies – continuing open windrow or upgrading to force air or tunnel
composting – your choice and why would be described in question B3.3
Identify staged expansion – your cost benefit analysis, market analysis and technical analysis
should demonstrate which is the best scenario
Identify the costs to you and the community. For example capital, electricity, fuel, staff,
maintenance, and licensing costs. Include a provision for contingencies, and identify
community costs. Community costs such as increased traffic may not be able to be easily
converted to a dollar value. For these costs identify the items in your CBA and describe them
in more detail in questions B6.1,6.2 or 6.3
Identify the benefits to you and the community. For example while an increased capacity to
process organics will lead to increased income in gate fees and sale of compost, there may be
other benefits such as local jobs, decreased resources to landfill, improved quality and odour
management. Where these benefits are hard to convert to a monetary value identify the items
in your CBA and describe them in more detail in questions B6.1,6.2 or 6.3
Compare the costs to the benefits over the life span of the main piece of infrastructure, e.g. 20
years to give the overall net benefit. Include data on:
Outline the net present value (NPV) with and without grant funding – the sum of the
discounted project benefits less discounted project costs. A discount rate of seven percent
should be used. A NPV of greater than zero is required.
Outline the benefit cost ratio (BCR) - the ratio of the present value of benefits to the present
value of costs. A discount rate of seven percent should be used. A BCR greater than one is
required.
Outline the internal rate of return (IRR) - the discount rate at which the net present value of the
project is zero.
Outline the dollars of grant funding per tonne of additional material diverted from landfill
Conduct sensitivity testing to show the impact of changing assumptions, e.g. using discount
rates of four percent and 10 percent rather than just seven percent, and changing the
assumed sales price of the compost output.
document all references to data sources and assumptions
For further guidance on conducting a cost benefit analysis, applicants should refer to NSW
Treasury’s NSW Government Guidelines for Economic Appraisal.
Describe the operational life-span of the facility and equipment.
B 4.2
Describe the age and lifespan of existing and planned equipment and infrastructure, including
maintenance, replacement and upgrade strategies.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
21
Criterion 5:
Licensing, approvals and best practice contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
Does your organisation have formal management systems for quality, environmental
management and/or WHS?
B 5.1
These types of systems provide some assurance that the project will not result in harm to human
health or the environment. Safe operation of equipment, odour control and contamination
management are particularly important for food and garden processing.
Describe the licensing and approvals needed for your project and steps you have taken to obtain
the necessary approvals
Development consent, environmental protection licenses and other approvals are often required
for location and operation of infrastructure especially facilities processing wastes which are
received from offsite. Early and ongoing consultation with the relevant authorities is part of good
project planning and can help ensure projects are not inadvertently delayed.
B 5.2(a)
B 5.2(b)
Under this grant program the project must commence within one year, and substantially completed
within three years of the of the grant agreement unless the grant funding is more than $1 million.
Describe the licenses and approvals needed for your project, the consultation undertaken to
ascertain what licenses and approvals are necessary and the existing approvals and licenses (if
any). Also describe the steps taken to date to ensure the necessary approvals (including but not
limited to development consent and Environment Protection License) will be in place in line with
your project plan. Include in your description any environmental or engineering investigations,
meetings or correspondence.
Describe any existing reputation/relationship with stakeholders
Proponents expanding existing facilities may have existing relationships with stakeholders such as
neighbours with regard to local issues including traffic, odour or general operation of the site.
Proponents operating similar projects at other sites may bring with them a reputation and
experience in best practice that is helpful in establishing new projects. Describe these situations
and how they may impact on the proposed project.
For example:
B 5.3


The existing facility has intermittent odour complaints from neighbours. The expansion and
upgrade has been discussed with the neighbours and includes a shed and bio-filter to control
odours in the receivables area. The advertised amendment to the development consent has
received no objections.
<name> has three similar operations in other parts of the state and has received industry
awards for best practice. Site visits to these existing facilities by stakeholders has been useful
in explaining what is proposed for the new facility. The development application will be
formally advertised next month.
Responses to questions A11 (a), (b), (c) and (d) – NSW environment protection laws and
compliance will also be considered in assessing criterion 5
Criterion 6: Project impacts contributes 12 percent to assessment of the application
Describe the key environmental benefits generated by the project
B 6.1
Examples include diversion of material from landfill, less methane produced at landfill, beneficial
use of outputs. Include in your description when these benefits will be realised and for how long.
Describe the key social benefits generated by the project
B 6.2
Examples include strengthened local communities, jobs for disadvantaged people, and increased
awareness of the value of organics. Include in your description when these benefits will be realised
and for how long.
Describe the key economic benefits generated by the project
B 6.3
Examples include new jobs, resources kept within the economy, avoidance of costs. Include in your
description when these benefits will be realised and for how long. For stream 1 (processing) applications
include a description of the reductions in gate fee charges to councils.
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
22
Criterion 7: Value for money contributes 16 percent to assessment of the application
Section C Application budget
This is a separate Excel document which can be downloaded from the Trust website. The Excel
document is where you will be required to enter in your full budget, including all sources of income and
all sources of expenditure. It is also where you will determine your milestone payments.
C1
Project grants of between $25,000 and $5 million, covering up to 50 percent of the capital costs relating
to the infrastructure and equipment (90 percent for food donation projects) are available. Applicants that
are willing to contribute more will be favoured in the grant assessment process.
Refer especially to ‘Part 2 Eligibility – what will not be funded of these guidelines when determining
which column to enter costs. Provide as much detail as possible e.g. breakdown line items such as
wage as $x/hr * x/hrs/week *x weeks.
Do not include in kind contributions in the excel spread sheet.
In kind contributions
C2
Detail in kind contributions if applicable. For example contributions by the applicant and other
participants in project supervision when implementing on site organics collection and processing at
a university or volunteers assisting with food donation collection and delivery.
Enter a $ value here to show the hourly rate you are using for each contribution.
Do not include in kind contributions in your protect budget spread sheet (C1).
Describe your commitment to the project.
C3
Criterion 8:
Reference any of your organisation’s local plans, policies or strategies. Describe how long you will
maintain and utilises the equipment, the long term benefits of the project and any future plans for
expansion or enhancement.
Demonstrated ability to deliver the project to a high standard contributes 12 percent to
assessment of the application
Section D: Project planning including risk management
D1
This is a separate WORD document which can be downloaded from the Trust website. Complete the
WORD template.
Responses to A6 previous ET funding, A8 management structure, B1.4 business case support,
B1.5 best practice sustainability will also be considered in assessing criterion 8
Organics Infrastructure (Large and Small) Grants Program – Guidelines for Applicants
23
Part 9: Explanation of application form B
For Stream 4 (home composting)
Project title
A1
The title of your project will be used on all promotional material, on the Trust website, funding agreement
and any other relevant project materials. It should be short and no more than 68 characters long.
Project category
A2
Only new or enhanced projects are eligible. Equipment purchased, or activities undertaken prior to
notification of the outcome of the grant process are not eligible. Do not use this application form all organics
infrastructure projects. Stream 1 processing, stream 2 business organics or stream 3 food donation projects
should use application form A.
Time frame
Provide the proposed start date and a description of what action or event you consider represents the start
of the project. On ground action must commence within one year of the grant agreement and be
substantially completed within three years.
A3
Milestones: Please enter the dates you expect to achieve and descriptions of the major milestones of the
project. A Milestone is a significant event in the project signifying the commencement and/or completion of a
major deliverable. Milestones will be linked to Trust reporting and milestone payments. For example
completion of detailed planning and costing, equipment purchase, workshops undertaken, and project final
report.
These dates should be based on your in-house planning and the length of time you estimate to implement
key stages of your project. Complete this part of your application form once you have completed Section D
project planning.
Budget
A4
You are only required to put in your totals for each milestone. This becomes your payment schedule. The
figures here are based on the totals you have in Section C – Application Budget. Complete this part of the
application form once you have completed your financial spread sheet.
Note:
A5
A6
If your project is more than a year in length, not all Trust funding can be received in year one; grant
requests cannot be for greater than 50 percent of the project costs and these amounts must equal
the amounts in Section C.
Geographic reach
List the local government area/s and state electorate/s where the project will occur.
What is the legal status of your organisation?
Only local government organisations are eligible to apply for this stream of the Organics Infrastructure
(Large and Small) grants program. Projects from groups of councils are encouraged.
Has your organisation previously received Environmental Trust, EPA or OEH funding?
A7
A8 (a)
A8 (b)
Please only include current and recent grants. Your grant application will be assessed on how well previous
grants were implemented.
Council details - Contact person for the project
Only answer this question if you are submitting an application as an individual council. Alternatively answer
question 9 if the project is being delivered by a number of councils.
Group details - Contact person for the project
A9(a)
A9(b)
A9(c)
Only answer this question if you are submitting an application as a group of councils.
If your application is successful a letter from each partner confirming participation in the alliance will be
required at the time of accepting the grant. It is expected that an agreement will have been reached
between all partners in relation to project management and submission of milestone reports. This must be
signed by all parties and be submitted with the funding deed, if you are successful.
Insurance
A10
It is a condition of your grant that you have adequate insurance cover including public liability insurance of
$10 million, workers compensation and volunteer insurance.
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NSW environment protection laws and compliance
The NSW Environmental Trust with support from the NSW Environment Protection Authority will consider
the compliance history of applicants under NSW environment protection laws, including penalty notices,
clean up notices, prevention notices, license suspensions, licence revocations, convictions or prosecutions
under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the
Native Vegetation Act 2003.
A11 (a)
A11 (b)
A11 (c)
In addition, applicants are not eligible for the grant if, on or after 7 March 2014 they, or any directors or
managers of the applicants (whether as directors or managers of the applicants or otherwise in their
personal capacity or including where they have been directors or managers of other companies), have
contravened any provision of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (“POEO Act”) with the
result of avoiding, minimising or undermining the requirement to pay any waste contributions required under
section 88 of the POEO Act.
For the purposes of this matter, the relevant provisions of the POEO Act are sections 48, 64, 88, 115, 120,
142A, 143, 144, 144AA, s144AB or 211 of the POEO Act or Part 2 of the Protection of the Environment
Operations (Waste) Regulation 2005 in relation to any waste activities where a consequence of the
contravention has the result of the avoidance, minimisation or undermining of the waste contribution. This
also includes a contravention of any clause of a resource recovery exemption.
These matters can be taken into account whether or not any regulatory action has taken place in relation to
those contraventions, including whether or not court proceedings have been commenced or an offence has
been proven in court proceedings.
A12
Has your council already purchased any of the equipment/infrastructure you are applying for in this
application?
Grant funding is only available for new or enhanced activities, equipment and infrastructure.
Project description
B1.1
Please describe your project in 100 words or less. This summary will need to be succinct and include the
main activities and outcomes that you want to achieve. The summary will be used to promote your project
on the Trust’s website and will be used for all promotional material relating to the project i.e. media, case
studies etc. If your project is enhancing current work the description should clearly describe the
enhancement.
Please provide information as to why this project would not go ahead without funding from this
program
B1.2
Funding will not be provided for activities which it is reasonable to expect would occur without the
assistance of this Grants Program, including those sufficiently cost-effective to implement without funding
assistance. Please describe why this project would not proceed without funding assistance, and how the
funding assistance will help the project proceed.
Criterion 1:
Engage a range of participants and/or local networks – contributes 15 per cent to the assessment
of the application
B1.3
Who are your target audiences/participants for this project and what is your expected reach?
Your project should have a particular target audience in mind i.e. an audience who need particular
assistance to overcome barriers to recycling organics at home ( e.g. people in multi-unit dwellings) or
who may receive added benefit from participating in recycling at home (e.g. disadvantaged people
learning about healthy eating and growing your own food). Estimate the number of people in these
groups and how many you will be able to assist. If your project is an enhancement clearly explain the
existing and new target audience and participant numbers.
Will any other organisations, businesses, networks or groups (other than named applicants)
be involved in conducting activities or disseminating messages?
Describe the involvement and contribution of other organisations/businesses/networks/groups other
than yourself and any listed partners.
For example:
B1.4
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


multi-unit dwelling projects may involve the Department of Housing or Strata Title Managers
projects that are part of a slow food and home gardening program may involve local nurseries or
restaurants
community groups may promote you project, event, workshops in their newsletter
do not provide detail of any contractors (this can be included in question B2.4 education and
engagement methods, section c application budget and Section D: project plan)
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Criterion 2:
Build capacity of the target audience(s) – contributes 20 percent to the assessment of the
application
What are the key objectives of your education project and why?
What do you aim to achieve with this project e.g. improve community knowledge and skills to reduce food
waste, home compost and use composted products. Why is this important locally, regionally, to your
organisation?
B2.1
How will you build individual and/or community capacity e.g. conduct 10 training workshops, provide
compost bins to participants and support ongoing use of the compost bin and composted product.
Note:
It is a condition of this grant funding that waste avoidance messaging is included in education
material.
What specific local needs are you addressing with this project?
B2.2
Describe the local needs you want to address through your project. For example reducing the food and
garden waste in the residual waste bin through the introduction of food waste avoidance behaviours and
home composting. Explain the history of the project proposal including how the need was identified, who
has been involved in developing the proposal and how the proposal fits into other projects, strategies and
plans.
B2.3 (a)
B2.3 (b)
How will your project contribute to the following Learning for Sustainability outcomes?
Select only the outcomes that are most relevant to your project and describe how your project will meet
these outcomes. More information on Learning for Sustainability (LfS) is available on the Trust and Office
of Environment and Heritage website. Information includes LfS plans for NSW, a review of the current
status and emerging trends in sustainability education and engagement in New South Wales, and case
studies.
B2.4
Describe what education/community engagement methods you are going to use to engage/reach the
audience
How will you get households to participate in your project? How will you reach them? What strategies will
you use to encourage participants to adopt new behaviours? E.g. will you be handing out free or subsidised
compost bins or worm farms? Developing and launching a 'how to' app?
Mention here any
education/community engagement contractors or expertise you will involve.
Describe how you will integrate food waste avoidance messaging within the home organics
recycling messaging.
B2.5
Criterion 3:
It is a condition of this grant funding that food waste avoidance messaging is included in education material.
Describe how avoidance and recycling messages will be integrated. Include information on existing Love
Food Hate Waste partnership projects if applicable.
Measure behavioural changes– contributes 15 per cent to the assessment of the application
What will success look like if you achieve the objectives? List immediate, intermediate and ultimate
outcomes and key performance measures for each
B3.1
It is important to consider what the overall success (expected outcomes) of this project would look like and
how you will know you have succeeded. For example in the short-term your objective may be to design
education material and a promotions plan for workshops. In the medium term your objective may be to have
at least 20 people attend each of the five planned workshops, while the ultimate objective may be to have
75 percent of participants using three or more food waste avoidance behaviours and home compost bins
immediately and three years after the workshops.
How do you plan to monitor and evaluate the success of your project and activities?
B3.2
For example number of individuals engaged, number of workshops held, pre and post surveys of attitudes
and behaviours, audits of community garden compost bins.
Criterion 4:
Incorporate similar behaviour changes into your organisation’s ongoing sustainability projects and
programs – contributes 15 per cent to the assessment of the application
How does this project link in to the waste management strategies (particularly organics) of the local
councils involved in the project?
B4.1
Describe your current and future plans for organics services to households. Include variations across the
LGA(s) if applicable. For example a green bin service is currently provided to all single unit dwellings. In five
years’ time we plan to implement a food and garden service and wish to increase community ability and
willingness to avoid and separate food waste as a lead up to this new service.
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How does this project link to other sustainability initiatives or related activities in your community
or region?
B4.2
Research other sustainability initiatives or related activities in your community such as Love Food Hate
Waste projects, food and garden collection service education programs, community sustainability education
and awareness programs. Assess how your project will tie into the broader targets and goals of your
community. Describe how your project will compliment and add value to these other projects.
How will you promote and disseminate program achievements?
B4.3
What forums or avenues of promotion and dissemination will you undertake? E.g. Television ads, website
launches, billboards, pamphlets and flyers in the local supermarket, social media, existing networks.
How will you continue to promote home organics recycling after the completion of the grant
project? What long-term benefits or flow-on effects will result from your project, and how will they
be sustained beyond the life of the project?
B4.4
Please provide information on the longevity of this project and flow-on effects after the grant funding has
been spent. For example workshop material incorporated into council’s existing waste and sustainability
education program, food waste reduction measured through council’s on going residual waste and organics
bin audits, compost bin recipients surveyed every year for three years.
Criterion 5: Value for money– contributes 15 per cent to the assessment of the application
Resources from other sources
List any other grants or payments you (the applicant and partners listed in this application) have/will receive
relating to this project, that the EPA and other state or commonwealth agencies have/will issue.
B5.1
Note: This grant will fund additional work, promotion or materials above existing commitments. However, it
will not fund work that would have been undertaken as part of agreed commitments or existing
programs.
In-kind contributions
B5.2
Please provide details about all in-kind contributions. In-kind is defined as anything that is not a direct cash
investment.
Description of value for money
B5.3
In your description include estimates of food avoidance and home organics recycling you are assuming
(e.g. in tonnes or kilograms), number of participants, and years that participants will continue to actively use
the new behaviours and equipment. Calculate grant dollar per tonne diverted and total project cost per
tonne diverted.
Application budget
Section C
Please download the separate Excel document from the Trust website. This document is where you will be
required to enter in your full budget, including all sources of income and all source of expenditure. It is also
where you will determine milestone payments.
Note:
Criterion 6:
Funding under this program is provided on a matched 1:1 basis either through a cash contribution
or through in-kind. If your project is matching through a cash contribution include this in this budget,
otherwise in-kind is to be included under Question B5.2.
Demonstrated ability to deliver the project to a high standard– contributes 20 per cent to the
assessment of the application
Project planning and risk management
Section D
Please download the separate Word document from the Trust website and section d project plan definitions.
This document is where you will detail your project objectives, outcomes, outputs, risks, tasks etc.
Instructions and definitions are contained in the separate Word document.
It is expected that the project will implement best practice in sustainability. Please detail how you
intend to achieve this
D6.1
Best practice can be defined as being mindful of the ‘big picture’ in designing and implementing a project.
This could include the use of recycled materials, supporting local businesses, utilising online resources
versus hard copy information, encouraging the use of active transport or public transport to attend project
events.
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Other Benefits of the project.
Sustainability Describe council’s commitment to the implementation of the NSW Government’s
Sustainability Policy in this project and any associated actions council has already
implemented, or intends to implement, including reference to local strategies, policies or
plans. For example the project may link to council’s promotion of native gardens, water
saving in the garden, or recycling.
D6.2
Economic
Benefits might include avoiding landfill disposal costs or decreasing methane mitigation
costs at the landfill.
Social
Benefits may occur through links to community garden projects, working with
disadvantaged groups, or by providing an alternate service for those where it is
uneconomic to provide a food organics collection service.
Please declare any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest that you may be aware of
Applicants are required to declare any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest (COI) that they may be
aware of in relation to the awarding of a grant, particularly where:


D6.3


the project for which funds are being sought is to be undertaken on private land where that land is
owned by a member or members (or relatives) of the organisation applying for the grant
members, or relatives of members, of the applicant organisation are being paid as project managers
with Trust funds
members, or relatives of members, of the applicant organisation are being paid as contractors with
Trust funds
works carried out by the project could create current or future financial or other benefit for members of
the organisation applying for the grant, or their relatives
Such circumstances do not exclude the project from being funded, however they do need to be
acknowledged as a potential COI. The Technical Committee will assess each situation on its merits.
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