20 Million Trees Programme
Cumberland Conservation Corridor Grant
Guidelines 2014-15
Contents
PART 1: INTRODUCTION ___________________________________ 5
1.1.
The Cumberland Conservation Corridor Commitment ____________________________ 5
1.2.
The 20 Million Trees Programme_____________________________________________ 5
1.3.
The Cumberland Conservation Corridor Grant round ____________________________ 5
PART 2: GRANT GUIDELINES ________________________________ 7
2.1.
Grant funding available ____________________________________________________ 7
2.2.
Project timing ____________________________________________________________ 7
2.3.
Scope of Applications ______________________________________________________ 7
2.4.
Activities that will be supported _____________________________________________ 7
2.5.
Activities that may be funded through other funding sources______________________ 9
2.6.
Activities that will not be funded through the Programme ________________________ 9
PART 3: GUIDANCE FOR DESIGNING PROJECTS _______________ 10
3.1.
Species to be planted _____________________________________________________ 10
3.2.
What information should I use to develop my Project? __________________________ 10
3.3.
How do I count trees to be established through my Project? _____________________ 10
3.4.
How long do the plantings need to remain for? ________________________________ 10
3.5.
Do I need to account for tree survival? _______________________________________ 11
3.6. Can my Project receive recognition under the Emissions Reduction Fund or the Carbon
Farming Initiative? _____________________________________________________________ 11
PART 4: WHAT IS REQUIRED OF APPLICANTS? ________________ 11
4.1.
Project Site preparation and maintenance ____________________________________ 11
4.2.
Risk management ________________________________________________________ 11
4.3.
Work Health and Safety ___________________________________________________ 11
4.4.
Fire ___________________________________________________________________ 12
4.5.
Climatic conditions _______________________________________________________ 12
4.6.
Planning requirements ____________________________________________________ 12
4.7.
Consultation and community support ________________________________________ 12
PART 5: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ______________________________ 12
5.1.
Applicant eligibility_______________________________________________________ 12
5.2.
Project Eligibility _________________________________________________________ 13
2
PART 6: APPLICATION PROCESS ____________________________ 14
6.1.
How to apply ___________________________________________________________ 14
6.2.
Things to know when completing an Application _______________________________ 14
6.3.
Late Applications ________________________________________________________ 14
PART 7: ASSESSSMENT OF APPLICATIONS ____________________ 15
7.1.
Receipt and registration ___________________________________________________ 15
7.2.
Eligibility check __________________________________________________________ 15
7.3.
Assessment Process and Criteria ____________________________________________ 15
7.4.
Assessment and Review Process ____________________________________________ 17
7.5.
Selection and notification _________________________________________________ 17
7.6.
Funding Agreement ______________________________________________________ 18
7.7.
Monitoring and reporting _________________________________________________ 18
PART 8: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES _____________________ 19
8.1.
Rights and responsibilities of Applicants______________________________________ 19
8.2.
Conflict of interest _______________________________________________________ 19
8.3.
Risk, costs and expense ___________________________________________________ 20
8.4.
False and misleading information ___________________________________________ 20
8.5.
Confidentiality and privacy ________________________________________________ 20
8.6.
Rights and responsibilities of the Australian Government ________________________ 21
PART 9: ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS ______________________ 21
PART 10: USEFUL REFERENCES ______________________________ 22
PART 11 GLOSSARY _______________________________________ 24
PART 12 RISK MANAGEMENT _______________________________ 25
3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
 These grant application guidelines (Guidelines) are for 20 Million Trees Programme activities
within the Cumberland Conservation Corridor area.
 These Guidelines provide information to help organisations prepare an Application that
includes either a single Project or multiple (consecutive or concurrent) Projects. These
Guidelines include information on the Application process and criteria that will be used to
assess Applications.
KEY DATES
To be considered in this Grant Round, Applications should be received by the Department of the
Environment (Department) before 11.00am AEST (Canberra time) Wednesday 20th May 2015
(Closing Time).
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
Step 1: Read these Guidelines and information on the 20 Million Trees programme at
http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/20-million-trees/cumberland
Step 2: Download an Application form from the Department’s website at
http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/20-million-trees/cumberland. If unable to download
the form contact the Department at 20MillionTrees@environment.gov.au or by calling
1800 552 008
Step 3: Complete the Electronic or hard copy Application form provided by the Department.
Step 4: Submit the electronic or hard copy Application form(s) to ensure receipt by the
Department prior to the Closing Time. The application can be submitted:
:
By email to 20MillionTrees@envionment.gov.au
: By mail to the following address:
Cumberland Conservation Corridor Grant Round
20 Million Trees Section/ Biodiversity Conservation Division
Department of the Environment
GPO Box 787 CANBERRRA ACT 2601
Please ensure that you keep a copy of the Application. Additional information provided by
Applicants, but not requested in the Application form, will not be assessed.
© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia, 2015.
The 20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines -Cumberland
Conservation Corridor is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for
use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of
Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the
report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people. For licence conditions
see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/au/
This document should be attributed as ‘20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines: Cumberland
Conservation Corridor, Commonwealth of Australia 2015’.
Image: Cumberland Plain Woodland (Photo: Department of the Environment, 2015
4
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. The Cumberland Conservation Corridor Commitment
The Cumberland Plain is an area with remnant patches of land of high conservation value around
Penrith in Greater Western Sydney. The Government has committed $15 million towards a
Cumberland Conservation Corridor in Greater Western Sydney. The funding covers up to $7.5 million
for the protection of land including conservation covenants on threatened land in the Greater
Western Sydney area. Up to $5 million is available for one million trees, and up to $2.5 million for
Green Army Teams in the area. The funding is for projects to be completed by June 2017.
The delivery of this Cumberland Conservation Corridor Commitment will help support the protection
of the endangered ‘Cumberland Plain Woodland and Shale Gravel Transition Forest’ (Cumberland
Plain Woodland) Ecological Community, listed as a matter of national environmental significance
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
1.2. The 20 Million Trees Programme
The Australian Government has committed to working with the community to facilitate the
establishment of 20 million trees and associated understorey by 2020 to improve the extent,
connectivity and condition of native vegetation that supports native species (including threatened
species and ecological communities) and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The
Government has committed $50 million over four years to deliver the Programme.
The 20 Million Trees Programme is part of the national stream of the National Landcare Programme,
and has four strategic Programme Objectives:
1. 20 million trees – 20 million trees and associated understorey planted by 2020.
2. Environmental conservation – support local environmental outcomes by improving the
extent, connectivity and condition of native vegetation that supports native species.
3. Community engagement – work cooperatively with the community.
4. Carbon reduction – contribute to Australia reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
The 20 Million Trees Programme will complement and align with other Australian Government
environmental initiatives, such as the Green Army and the work of the Threatened Species
Commissioner.
1.3. The Cumberland Conservation Corridor Grant round
As part of the 20 Million Trees Programme, the Australian Government has committed to planting
one million trees in the Cumberland Conservation Corridor and related areas. Priority will be given to
projects in the Penrith region indicated in the map below (Figure 1). Projects may also be considered
eligible for funding if they are undertaken within the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Blacktown,
Fairfield, and Liverpool Local Government Areas (also indicated in Figure 1). Projects outside these
boundaries are not eligible.
5
Figure 1: Penrith region and other areas eligible for the
20 Million Trees Cumberland Conservation Corridor Grants
Through this Grant Round, the Government is providing potential applicants an opportunity to
submit a Project or suite of Projects. All Projects within any Application must be completed by
30 June 2017, and at least one project must commence between 1 July 2015 and 1 December 2015.
Applicants seeking approval for multiple Projects should note that the approval of Projects in
subsequent years will be conditional upon successful delivery of Projects in the first year.
The Australian Government reserves the right to request successful Applicants to bring forward
Projects outside of the timeframes outlined in these Guidelines to meet programme needs.
6
PART 2: GRANT GUIDELINES
The Grant Round will be administered by the Department. A total of $5 million is available for
Projects. The Department may run subsequent rounds at its discretion, depending on timing and
availability of funds.
2.1. Grant funding available
-
Total funds available – up to $5 million
-
Maximum funds available per Project – no limit
-
Maximum Applications per Applicant – no limit
-
Applications will be considered for projects with a budget range from $100,000
to up to $3 million.
The Department reserves the right to adjust notional funding allocations based on the quality of
Projects received.
2.2. Project timing
Projects may commence at any time after a Funding Agreement approving the provision of funds is
signed between the Department and a successful Applicant (or such other time as specified in the
Funding Agreement) provided at least one of the Projects commences between 1 July 2015 and
1 December 2015. All Projects must be completed by 30 June 2017.
2.3. Scope of Applications
Applicants may submit one Application or multiple Applications for multiple Projects. The Minister
may approve all, some or none of the Projects in any given Application.
Applications can be developed by an organisation or a consortium of organisations. Applications
from individual persons are not eligible. Where a consortium has developed an Application, one
organisation must take overall responsibility for the Application (including the proposed Projects)
and be able to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department. Ineligible entities cannot be
included in a consortium. Multi-Project Applications may seek to deliver concurrent and/or
consecutive (back to back) Projects.
2.4. Activities that will be supported
A list of Project Activities that will be considered for grant funding through the Programme is
provided in Table 1 below. To be eligible for funding Project Activities must:
 be located wholly within in the Cumberland Conservation Corridor areas as defined in
Figure 1;
 be new (that is, not activities that have been undertaken or commenced at the time of
Application or that are already funded from another source); and

involve revegetation to restore native vegetation cover through methods such as tube stock
planting, or direct seeding, of native trees and associated understorey.
7

include planting of trees native to the project area that will reach a potential height of at
least 2 metres.
Table 1: Project Activities that will be considered for funding
Revegetation activities
Planting seedlings
Activities involving planting trees native to the project area, shrubs
and understorey species to contribute to the Programme Objectives.
Applicants may requests funds for seedlings, consumables (such as
tree guards, mulch and fertiliser), purchase or hire of tools and
contract labour.
Direct seeding
Activities that involve the direct seeding of trees native to the project
area, shrub and understorey species to contribute to the Programme
Objectives.
Applicants may request funds for seeds and seed treatment, contract
labour and machine hire (subject to conditions for assets outlined in
Section 2.6 below).
Additional activities that are eligible for funding where they directly support eligible revegetation
activities described above
Plant propagation
Activities that involve propagating native plants for planting at
Project Sites. Applicants may request funds for growing seeds;
planting containers and water usage (please note that nursery
infrastructure will not be funded by the Programme).
Weed treatment
Activities that primarily involve physical, chemical or biological
control of plant weed species to directly benefit the Project’s
revegetation investment. Applicants may request funds for
herbicides, purchase or hire of herbicide application equipment, tools
and plant hire or purchase(providing these meet all asset conditions
outlined in Section 2.6), contract labour and weed disposal fees.
Project Site preparation
Activities primarily aimed at preparing a Project Site (excluding weed
treatment) for example, ripping soil for revegetation. Applicants may
request funds for the purchase or hire of tools, plant and machinery
(providing these meet all asset conditions outlined in Section 2.6),
contract labour and consumables. Refer to Section 4.1 for more
information about Project Site preparation requirements of the
Programme.
Project Site maintenance
Maintaining plantings, watering, follow up weed and pest control.
Applicants may request funds for water usage and infrastructure for
maintaining plantings (providing these meet all asset conditions
outlined in Section 2.6). Refer to Section 4.1 for more information
about Project Site maintenance requirements of the Programme.
Project
administration/governance
Including project coordination, office accommodation and equipment
hire, phone, electricity, printing/photocopying costs and insurance
costs. These costs must be 10 per cent or less of total Project cost.
Project monitoring and
reporting
Monitoring and reporting on Project progress and outcomes
including site assessments, surveys and other standard reporting
requirements outlined in Part 7. These costs must be 5 per cent or
less of total Project cost.
8
2.5. Activities that may be funded through other funding sources
Complementary activities such as seed collecting, fencing and community events will not be funded
by the Programme. However, Projects may include these activities where they are delivered using
financial or in-kind contributions, or where they are resourced through other Australian Government
programmes, for example through other components of the National Landcare Programme. Projects
involving Green Army Teams are particularly encouraged.
2.6. Activities that will not be funded through the Programme
The Programme will not fund the purchase of assets, or activities which:
 are outside of the Cumberland Conservation Corridor area as defined in Figure 1;
 planting of non-native species;
 are required as compliance activities, or are government business, or are part of an
approval under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation, for example, the provision of
an environmental offset under the EPBC Act;
 are for business-as-usual activities such as pasture improvement, weed management as
required by state/territory law or harvesting for commercial purposes. Business-as-usual
does not include the core business of environmental or conservation groups;
 are a potential or direct subsidisation of commercial activities, business start-up or other
action where the primary purpose is commercial gain;
 are for the purchase of plant and equipment over $10,000 (GST exclusive). Plant and
equipment purchases or hire may be approved only where the cost is less than $10,000 (GST
exclusive) in total and is considered essential to the achievement of project outcomes.
Funding to lease such equipment may be considered where it is essential to the completion
of on-ground works or to achieve specific project activities.
 are for community events including provision of food/amenities such as at volunteer events,
media or promotional activities such as newsletters, and enabling technologies such as
developing apps or websites.
 include planting species (including native species) that are known to be, or could become,
environmental or agricultural weeds;
 are monoculture or ‘forestry’ plantings, which typically involve plantings of minimal species
diversity or plants not native to the Project Site.
Other activities not funded through the Programme:
 domestic travel, unless it is considered essential to the success of the project, and it is
demonstrated that this travel would contribute to specific project outputs. This must be
included within the administration budget (less than 10 per cent of total funds requested).
9
 vehicle hire or leasing, unless it can be demonstrated that this is essential to completing
specific project phases or outputs. This must be included within the administration budget
(less than 10 per cent of total funds requested).
PART 3: GUIDANCE FOR DESIGNING PROJECTS
The information provided below provides guidance to help Applicants design their Project(s).
3.1. Species to be planted
Plantings should be naturally occurring trees, shrubs and associated understorey species from the
local area, and be sourced from seeds within the natural local distribution of the species. Plantings
should be appropriate to the biophysical characteristics of the Project Site(s), reflect the structure
and composition of the local native vegetation community and, where appropriate, provide habitat
for threatened species. Trees should not be established in ecological communities where they do not
form a natural part of the vegetation community such as in natural grasslands or herb-dominated
wetlands.
Species should be suitable to the site and region over the longer term, taking account of changing
climatic conditions. It is important to avoid creating potential invasive species problems by planting
inappropriate species. Using species from outside their normal range should only be undertaken
with expert scientific advice.
3.2. What information should I use to develop my Project?
Recognising the importance of using existing local knowledge, planning and expertise in Project
planning, Applicants are encouraged to refer to relevant plans from the Greater Sydney Local Land
Services at http://greatersydney.lls.nsw.gov.au/land-and-water to identify local and regional
revegetation priorities. Projects should be guided by national and state recovery plans, strategies,
action statements, conservation advices and similar documents that provide guidance on priority
actions and target areas for the conservation of threatened species and ecological communities.
3.3. How do I count trees to be established through my Project?
Applicants must provide an estimate of the number of trees and shrubs with an anticipated mature
height of at least two metres proposed to be established through the Project. In making the
estimate, Applicants must:

for Projects that involve planting, account for any tree losses that may occur based on
average survival rates; or

for Projects that involve direct seeding, not include trees and shrubs that will be removed
for ecological thinning purposes and account for average survival rates.
3.4. How long do the plantings need to remain for?
Plantings funded under the Programme should be maintained for at least 10 years to ensure that
environmental and carbon abatement benefits are sustained. Applicants are encouraged to explain
in their Application how trees will be maintained in the long term to achieve the Programme
Objectives.
10
3.5. Do I need to account for tree survival?
Applicants need to account for tree mortality and ensure that, at a minimum, the contracted
number of trees will be established within the Project timeframe. Applications should convey an
understanding of average survival rates and show how this has been factored into the estimate of
trees to be established.
Appropriate provisions could include supplementary watering and planting extra trees to cover
predicted and actual losses. Planting and seeding techniques that maximise survival in dry periods
should also be considered, and must be carried out in conjunction with revegetation activities.
3.6. Can my Project receive recognition under the Emissions Reduction Fund or the
Carbon Farming Initiative?
The Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI) is not linked to the Cumberland Conservation Corridor 20 Million
Trees Grant Round. If you are interested in obtaining a tradeable carbon offset credit for your
Project, for example through the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), you can apply for this directly
through a separate process. Information on eligibility requirements for the CFI, including information
about CFI offset methodologies, is available online at www.climatechange.gov.au/CFI.
PART 4: WHAT IS REQUIRED OF APPLICANTS?
4.1. Project Site preparation and maintenance
Project Site preparation and ongoing maintenance is of high importance to the Programme. On
some Project Sites it may be necessary to undertake weed control before planting or seeding to
ensure acceptable survival rates. Where this occurs, a staged approach may be important so that
works do not put local native species at risk. In other places, Project Site maintenance before or
during planting and subsequent post-planting weed control may be adequate.
Where plant losses occur within the Project timeframe, the Project Site must be replanted or reseeded to achieve the contracted number of trees. Applicants should demonstrate how they will
overcome any losses to ensure they fulfil the number of trees contracted in the Funding Agreement.
4.2. Risk management
Potential risks to the Project should be considered and appropriate mitigation strategies prepared.
Details of risks to be considered and appropriate mitigation strategies are at Part 11. Successful
Applicants will be required to develop a Risk Management Plan in accordance with the provisions
specified in the Funding Agreement.
4.3. Work Health and Safety
Funding Recipients will be required to prepare a Work Health and Safety Plan as part of the Project,
consistent with the provisions specified in the Funding Agreement. Recipients will be required to
implement a safe work environment for all participants and ensuring safe access to Project Sites
where work is being carried out. All parties must comply with the relevant Commonwealth, state or
territory Work Health and Safety legislation.
11
4.4. Fire
Applicants should consult with their relevant local and state fire management authorities and plans
prior to submitting their Application. Applicants also need to check their Project is in accordance
with national environmental law regarding bushfire management. For more information refer to
www.environment.gov.au/resource/bushfire-management-and-national-environment-law. Funding
recipients will be required to prepare a Fire Management Plan as part of the Project.
4.5. Climatic conditions
Loss of plants through hot, dry periods or drought is a significant risk to a Project’s success.
Consideration should be given to how plants will be maintained to survive, such as carrying out
supplementary watering in dry seasons, and should build necessary activities into their Project.
4.6. Planning requirements
Projects should be situated on land where trees can be maintained into the future. Project Sites
should not be on land zoned for future development, on easements that may be excavated by
utilities, or where potential future disturbance is likely.
4.7. Consultation and community support
Applicants are encouraged to consult with relevant local government and planning authorities,
community groups, land holders/managers, regional catchment and regional natural resource
management organisations and traditional owners. This will help to ensure that activities are
feasible, take into account natural and cultural values of the area and local knowledge, and are
aligned with local community aspirations and relevant environment and heritage plans.
Applicants must ensure that their Application complies with all requirements set out in any
applicable Commonwealth, state, territory, and local government laws, and ensure that all necessary
planning, approvals and/or permits are in place prior to the commencement of a Project. This
includes the necessary permits and the written consent of relevant traditional owners or appropriate
Indigenous organisations where activities may directly affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
sites, places, values or communities. Applicants are asked to consider approval times in considering
their Project commencement date.
PART 5: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Department will determine whether Applicants and Projects meet the Eligibility Criteria set out
below. Applicants and Projects deemed not to meet the Eligibility Criteria may be excluded from the
Assessment Process.
5.1. Applicant eligibility
To be eligible, Applicants must be an organisation and:
a) be a legal entity, for instance:

a legally incorporated organisation

a company
12

a trust

an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, council or incorporated association

a local or state government authority; and

a school.
b) either:

have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST, if required to be
registered by the Australian Tax Office or

provide a statement by a supplier prior to entering into a Funding Agreement with the
Department, explaining why the Project proponent is not required to have an ABN (using
the template available on the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au/Business/Australianbusiness-number/In-detail/Statement-by-a-supplier/Statement-by-a-supplier--notquoting-ABN-to-an-enterprise/).
If Applicants is a partnership, the person signing the Application must have authority to sign for and
bind the partners of the partnership jointly and severally.
Where a consortium of organisations wishes to make an Application, one legal entity must take
overall responsibility for the Application, as Applicants, and be willing and able to enter into a
Funding Agreement with the Department if the Application is successful.
Owing to the scale of the Programme, Applications are sought from organisations with the capacity
to undertake the Activities described in Table 1 – Applications from individual persons are not
eligible.
5.2. Project Eligibility
To be eligible for funding under the Programme a Project must:

contribute towards the Programme Objectives outlined in Section 1.2;

be located wholly within the Cumberland Conservation Corridor as defined in
Section 1.3;

be seeking Programme funding of between $100,000 and $3 million (GST exclusive);

only consist of activities as described in Table 1;

include planting of native trees that will reach a potential height of at least 2 metres;

have a proposed Project timeframe of between eighteen months and three years, and
be able to be completed by 30 June 2017.
13
PART 6: APPLICATION PROCESS
An Application for a Project(s) can be lodged by an eligible legal entity. An Application may include
one or more Projects (see Section 2.3). Each Application will be required to meet the eligibility
requirements (see Part 5).
6.1. How to apply
Application forms are available from the Department’s website at: www.nrm.gov.au/20-milliontrees/cumberland
Additional information, including these guidelines, is also available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-milliontrees/cumberland
Applications can be submitted by email, mail or delivered. Applicants should keep a copy of their
Application for their records. Email is preferred.
Email applications should be sent to: 20MillionTrees@environment.gov.au.
Hard copy applications should be posted or courier delivered (and received by the Department prior
to the Closing Time) to:
Post:
Director
20 Million Trees Programme
Biodiversity Conservation Division
Department of the Environment
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Courier delivery:
Director
20 Million Trees Programme
Biodiversity Conservation Division
Department of the Environment
John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600
6.2. Things to know when completing an Application

All questions are mandatory. Additional information provided by Applicants but not
requested in the Application form will not be assessed.

All applications must be signed and approved by an authorised officer of Applicants.

The Department may, at its sole discretion, extend the Closing Time. Any such extension
will be published on the Department’s website.

Once submitted, changes to an Application can only be made by contacting the
20 Million Trees Section of the Department. Any requested changes will be considered
by the Department however, the decision to accept or reject the requested change will
be made at the Department’s discretion.
6.3. Late Applications
A late Application is an Application that has not been received by the Department before the Closing
Time of 11.00am AEST (Canberra time) on 20th May 2015. Applicants are reminded to allow enough
time to manage IT issues (if submitting the Application by email) or postal or courier delays (if
14
posting or delivering a hard copy Application) to ensure that the Application is received by the
Department prior to the Closing Time.
Any requests for an extension must be received by the Department before the Closing Time. It is at
the discretion of the Department as to whether an extension is granted. If requesting an extension,
please contact the 20 Million Trees Section on 1800 780 730 or at
20MillionTrees@environment.gov.au.
PART 7: ASSESSSMENT OF APPLICATIONS
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the assessment process for the selection
of Projects is fair and transparent. The assessment process will be overseen by an independent
probity advisor to ensure processes are robust, transparent and equitable.
7.1. Receipt and registration
The Department will confirm receipt of the Application by email (or by mail if the recipient does not
have an email address).
7.2. Eligibility check
All Applications will be screened by the Department against the eligibility requirements set out in
Section 5.1 of these Guidelines. Applicant responses to the declaration requirements in the
Application form will also be considered.
7.3. Assessment Process and Criteria
Each Application will be assessed by at least two Australian Government assessors with necessary
expertise and technical specialisation as required for the Project being considered. Each Project will
be assessed against on the following criteria. All criteria will be weighted equally. The size of the
project is not a criteria for assessment.
Criterion 1 - The Project aligns with the Cumberland Conservation Corridor
Commitment (1.1) and the 20 Million Trees Programme Objectives (1.2)
In assessing this criterion, consideration will be given to:

The location of the Project in relation to the priority region of Penrith;

If the work undertaken will be within the boundaries defined in Figure 1;

How the Project Activities, location, scale and landscape context will provide locally
significant environmental benefit;

How the Project will provide environmental conservation outcomes as described in
Strategic Objective two in 1.2 (support local environmental outcomes by improving the
extent, connectivity and condition of native vegetation that supports native species);

How the Project will engage the community to contribute to the long term success of
the Project. This may include for example, working cooperatively with the community
15
through partnerships, engaging with a diverse range of community groups and ensuring
the Project has an adequate level of community support.

How any relevant environmental, NRM, conservation plans, projects, initiatives,
programmes or advice have been considered and incorporated into the design of the
Project.
Criterion 2 - Commitment to ongoing management
The extent to which the Application shows commitment to the ongoing management of the Project
Site/s once a Project is complete, with consideration given to:

the degree to which ‘make-good’ provisions are in place to ensure the proposed tree
numbers are achieved and plant losses are made good, with these expenses to be met
by Applicants or incorporated into the Project budget.

how the Project Site(s) will be managed over time to maintain the Project Objectives and
a commitment to maintaining trees planted under the Programme for at least 10 years.
This should include managing relevant ongoing threats such as invasive species.

additional commitments to the ongoing management of the Project through, for
example, financial contributions, other significant in-kind contributions from third
parties or Project partners, a commitment to long term ecological monitoring or secure
Project Site tenure arrangements such as conservation covenanting agreements.
Criterion 3 - Capacity of Applicant to deliver
In assessing this criterion, consideration will be given to:

how the governance arrangements for the Project are appropriate to the scale and type
of project, how Applicants will deliver the Project Objectives on time and within budget,
and how any collaboration between Project partners will be managed.

the extent of the Applicant’s past experience in efficiently and effectively delivering
environmental projects, including government grants, and how Applicants skills, capacity
and resources (including any specialist technical support) will successfully deliver the
Project.
Criterion 4 - Risk management
The Application must show:

that potential risks to the Project have been considered and appropriate mitigation
strategies prepared. Key Project delivery risks that must be considered include
workplace health and safety, fire management, lower than expected survival rate of
plantings and climatic conditions (Part 11).
16
Criterion 5 - Value for public money
The Application should show that the total Proposal and the Project budget represent good value for
public money, taking into account:

the amount of funding sought for the Project.

whether budget items are reasonable and relevant to Project Activities and Project
Objectives for each Project Site and apply only to eligible Project Activities (see Section
2.4 for eligible Project Activities).

the average cost per tree (that is, for trees above 2 metres tall at maturity).

the level of financial and/or in-kind cash contribution to be provided by Applicants,
Project partners, third parties or other sources and that these are relevant and
reasonable.
Note: the Budget must be submitted in the format included in the Application form.
7.4. Assessment and Review Process
A Review Panel consisting of an Independent member and at least two Departmental officials will
consider the assessed Applications before the Department submits the recommended Projects to
the Minister.
The Review Panel may consider Applications in the context of:

effective partnerships and collaboration in achieving biodiversity outcomes across the
landscape;

whether proposed Projects complement and support other proposed Projects submitted
in the round;

the geographic distribution of proposed Projects across the Cumberland Conservation
Corridor and the areas identified in Figure 1.

a representation of a range of Applicants and Applicant types;

the funding available for Projects within the Programme, including in the context of
previous commitments made by the Australian Government, and other Departmental
objectives and priorities.
For multi-Project Applications, information about each Project within the Application will be
considered when assessing the Application.
7.5. Selection and notification
Following assessment and endorsement by the Review Panel, recommendations will be made by the
Department to the Minister for the Environment. The Minister for the Environment will make the
final decision on the Projects to be supported through the Programme. For multi-Project
Applications, the Minister may approve selected Projects within that Application.
17
The Minister’s decision on the selection of successful Projects will be final. All successful, any reserve
and unsuccessful Applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of assessment. Applicants will
be able to receive feedback on their Application from the Department, if a request is made within
forty business days of public notice of successful Projects. Details of successful Projects will also be
listed on the Department’s website at www.environment.gov.au, once Applicants have been
informed.
7.6. Funding Agreement
The Department will enter into a Funding Agreement with Applicants, if successful, (hereafter the
Recipient), and that legal entity will be legally responsible for ensuring all of the obligations under
the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement are met. The Department may withdraw the
offer of funding to Applicants, if successful, if the Funding Agreement is not signed by the relevant
legal entity within the timeframe determined by the Department. The payment of funding is
contingent on the Recipient achieving prescribed milestones as set out in the Funding Agreement.
Key requirements of the Funding Agreement include:

The Recipient will be required to report on Project progress, as outlined in 7.7 below

Payments will be linked to reporting requirements.
A draft Funding Agreement can be viewed at http://www.nrm.gov.au/national/20-milliontrees/cumberland
7.7. Monitoring and reporting
Monitoring and reporting requirements are detailed on the website www.nrm.gov.au
Recipients are required to provide the following information and reports to the Australian
Government, and additional information on request:

an online Project activity schedule when the Project begins using the Department’s
online reporting tool;

an online progress report every six months during the Project. Some of this information
may be made available to the public;

financial reports; and

a final project report, due within eight weeks of the agreed completion date for the
Project, including additional questions which will contribute to the Department’s review
of the Programme.
Project information such as the outputs, outcomes and location of Project Activities will be made
public in line with the Principles on open public sector information, available at
www.oaic.gov.au/information-policy/information-policy-resources/information-policy-agencyresources/principles-on-open-public-sector-information.
Up to five per cent of the funding received by a Recipient may be used for monitoring and reporting
activities. This is in addition to the 10 per cent or less for administration costs.
18
The Department
The Department may conduct site visits and/or arrange inspections by third parties to monitor the
progress of selected Projects, assess compliance of Projects with the contracted requirements,
assess the performance of the Recipient, and determine whether appropriate Work Health and
Safety practices are being implemented.
The Department may also undertake Programme evaluation and monitoring activities. This may
include publishing case studies of Projects detailing achievements, community engagement
activities, participant perspectives and lessons learnt.
An approved Project must not commence before the Funding Agreement has been signed.
PART 8: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1. Rights and responsibilities of Applicants
It is the responsibility of Applicants to:

fully and properly inform themselves of the requirements of the Programme, these
Guidelines, and the requirements of the Application process;

ensure that their Application is complete and accurate, as the Department is not obliged
to request additional or missing information;

ensure their Application is received by the Department before the Closing Time;

keep a copy of their Application and any attachments for their records; and

after submitting their Application, inform the Department of any changes to their
circumstances, which may affect their Application or their eligibility under the
Programme.
8.2. Conflict of interest
Applicants are required to declare, in writing to the Department, where any actual, apparent, or
potential conflict of interest exists or might arise in relation to their Application that may impact on
it, the proposed Project(s), or any Funding Agreement it may enter into with the Commonwealth
Government. A conflict of interest is any circumstance in which the Applicant personnel has an
interest (whether financial or non-financial) or an affiliation that affects, will affect, or could be
perceived to affect, the Applicant s ability to perform the Project(s), or its obligations under any
agreement, fairly and independently.
A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if Applicants or any of its personnel:

has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is
able to influence the Application assessment process, such as a Departmental staff
member; or

has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation which is likely to interfere with or
restrict Applicants in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently; or
19

has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive
personal gain as a result of the receipt of support under the Programme.
8.3. Risk, costs and expense
Applicants participation in any stage of the Application process, or in relation to any matter
concerning the process, is at the Applicants sole risk, cost and expense. The Department will not be
responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by an Applicant(s) in preparing or lodging an
Application or in taking part in the process or the Programme.
8.4. False and misleading information
Applicants are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted in their Application.
If Applicants knowingly provide inadequate, false or misleading information, the Application may be
excluded from the assessment process. Applicants should be aware that the giving of false or
misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
The Department may request further information from an Applicant and allow an Applicant to
remedy any discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or error in an Application. The Department
reserves the right to accept or disregard clarification information provided by an Applicant, and will
not consider clarification information that materially improves or amends an Applicant’s original
Application. Projects may be terminated if it is identified that false or misleading information was
provided in an Application.
8.5. Confidentiality and privacy
Applicants must identify any information contained within their Application, which they consider
should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request.
The Department will only consider a request for confidentiality where:

the information to be protected is identified in specific rather than global terms;

the information is by its nature confidential and;

disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned.
The Department is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and transparency
requirements of the Australian Government, including disclosure to the Parliament and its
Committees. Notwithstanding any obligation of confidentiality, the Department may disclose, or
allow at any time the disclosure of, any information contained in or relating to any Application:

to its advisers, employees or internal management for purposes related to the Application
and assessment processes, including to evaluate or otherwise assess Applications and
manage any resultant arrangements;

to the responsible Minister;

in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the
Commonwealth of Australia;
20

within the Department, or with another agency, where this serves the Australian
Government’s legitimate interests;

where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that
information submitted to the Australian Government is subject to the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (Cth) and its requirements;

where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of any
relevant confidentiality obligation by the Australian Government.
In submitting an Application, Applicants consent to the Department using the information submitted
for the above mentioned purposes, for administering, monitoring and evaluating the Programme
and any other incidental or related purpose.
Applicants should be aware that if they are successful, the Department will publish information on
its website about the Project/s, including but not limited to:

the name of the person or entity receiving support under the Programme;

the title and purpose of the Project(s);

the term and location of the Project(s).
By submitting an Application, Applicants consents to publication of the above information by the
Department if they are granted support through the Programme.
The Department will store and use the personal information collected by it in compliance with its
obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Applicants may access or correct personal information
by either emailing the Department at 20MillionTrees@environment.gov.au or sending a letter to the
Department’s postal address.
8.6. Rights and responsibilities of the Australian Government
The Australian Government reserves the right to amend these Guidelines by whatever means it may
determine in its absolute discretion and will, where possible, provide reasonable notice of these
amendments. The Government also reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the Assessment
Process at any time and in its absolute discretion.
PART 9: ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS
All enquiries will be handled consistent with the Department’s Service Charter 2014-16, available
from the Department’s website at www.environment.gov.au. If an Applicant is dissatisfied with the
way their Application has been handled by the Department, Applicants can lodge a complaint by
contacting the Department via Email: 20MillionTrees@environment.gov.au
Postage: 20 Million Trees Programme
Biodiversity Conservation Division
Department of the Environment
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
21
The complaint will be managed in line with the Department’s Complaints Management Policy. The
Department is committed to consistent, fair and confidential handling of complaints and to resolving
complaints as quickly as possible. Feedback and complaints will be handled impartially and in a
confidential manner.
PART 10: USEFUL REFERENCES
National Strategies

Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework:
http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/australias-native-vegetation-framework

Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030:
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy-2010-30/index.html

Strategy for Australia's National Reserve System 2009-2030: www.environment.gov.au/node/21198
Matters of National Environmental Significance—lists, tools and plans
Threatened species and ecological communities:

Threatened species and ecological communities

www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html

Threatened species and ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act):

www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/species-communities.html

Key threatening processes listed under the EPBC Act:

www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl

Threat abatement plans established under the EPBC Act:

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/threatened-species-ecological-communities/threatabatement-plans

Recovery plans established under the EPBC Act:

www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-list-common.html

Migratory species listed under the EPBC Act:

www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowmigratory.pl

Conservation advice by NRM region:

www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/conservationadvice.pl?proc=main

Protected matters search tool:

www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

Regional natural resource management plans, issues for the region and contact information:
www.nrm.gov.au/about/nrm/regions/index.html
Exotic and invasive species:
Feral animals:

Australian Pest Animal Strategy:
22
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pest-animal-strategy.html or
www.apas.net.au/

Feral animals in Australia:
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ferals/index.html
Invasive plants:

The Australian Weeds Strategy
http://www.weeds.org.au/docs/The Australian Weeds Strategy.pdf

Weed spread and management action maps:
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/index.html

Atlas of Living Australia:
www.ala.org.au/australias-species/

Weeds of national significance and other lists of weeds of national interest:
www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/index.html

Weed management plans, training, weeds facilitator contacts: www.weeds.org.au/
Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement Strategy: www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri/index.html
23
PART 11 GLOSSARY
Assessment Criteria
The assessment criteria to be used to assess Projects as described in Section 7.3 of these Guidelines.
Assessment Process
The process that will be used to assess Projects as described in Section 7.3 and 7.4 of these Guidelines.
Connectivity
The capacity of landscapes or aquatic environments to allow ecological movement and function.
Cumberland
Conservation Corridor
Includes the Local Government Areas of Penrith, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Blacktown, Fairfield, and Liverpool, as described in
Section 1.3 of these Guidelines.
Department
The Department of the Environment or any other agency that administers the Programme from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria
The criteria that Applicants and a Project must meet in order to be eligible for funding under the Programme, as described in Part
5 of these Guidelines.
EPBC Act
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), Australia’s national environment legislation.
Funding Agreement
A performance-based, legally enforceable contract between the Department and the successful organisation that sets out the
terms and conditions governing the funding to be provided under the Programme.
Guidelines
The 20 Million Trees Programme: Cumberland Conservation Corridor - Project Guidelines.
In-kind contributions
A non-cash input which can be assigned a cash value. This could include labour, or use of machinery or equipment, among other
things.
Minister
The Minister for the Environment.
Programme
The 20 Million Trees Programme.
Programme
Objectives
The strategic objectives of the Programme as defined in Section 1.2 of these Guidelines.
Project
A project or project relevant to the Programme Objectives that is set out in an Application submitted in accordance with these
Guidelines.
Project Activities
Activities that will be considered for funding, as set out in Table 1 of these Guidelines.
Project Sites
Sites wholly within the Cumberland Conservation Corridor.
PART 12 RISK MANAGEMENT
The table below includes the risk management activities to be addressed, including Work Health and Safety (WHS), Fire and Chemical for potential 20 Million Trees
Projects. Applicants do not necessarily have to address all these risks, but should consider which of these risks are relevant to their project. This list does not
necessarily cover all risks, and applicants should ensure that all potential risks for their project are addressed.
WHS Risk
Example type of activity Risk Rating
Appropriate controls – any or all of these controls should be indicated
either specifically or in general terms
Working with plant and
machinery such as back hoes,
hole borers, digging equipment
and excavators, chainsaws,
brush cutters, mowers, risk of
being struck by mobile plant
and equipment, loss of limb,
cuts, hearing loss.
Site preparation for
planting, fencing
activities (in-kind), weed
management.
1. Safe use of equipment, back hoes, excavators and bobcats all require
formal evidence of competence. Evidence of seeking and obtaining
such competence should be indicated
Risk of drowning if person falls
into water
All work in very close
proximity to water (still
or running - river, creek,
lake, pond, wetland).
Very High without
controls.
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
3. WHS training in use of Plant and performance of tasks should be
indicated
4. Appropriate safety equipment must be provided and reference to this
should be included
Very High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. Reference to working in pairs
25
3. Reference to site risk assessment
4. Reference to validating capacity to swim
5. Appropriate safety equipment such as footwear
WHS Risk
Example type of activity Risk Rating
Appropriate controls – any or all of these controls should be indicated
either specifically or in general terms
Risk of being struck by passing
traffic.
Any work alongside or
in close proximity to
automobile traffic.
Very High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. Establishment of specific Traffic Management Plan
3. Provision of safety warning signs and/or traffic barriers or speed
restrictions
4. Establishing minimum separation distance from roadway
5. Appropriate safety equipment such as high visibility clothing
Manual handling injuries during
movement of large rocks or
other large mass items, risk of
crush injuries to hands and
fingers.
Manual handling injuries as a
result of digging, slip and fall
injuries moving over potentially
unstable ground.
Moving debris for site
preparation, placing
rocks to protect plants
or plantings,
Construction of rock
structures.
High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or Low with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. WHS training in safe manual handling, restrictions on weights to be
lifted without assistance
Site preparation,
weeding, replanting of
vegetation.
High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or Low with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. WHS training in manual handling
26
3. Provision of lifting equipment for rocks and boulders
4. Appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, steel cap boots
3. Appropriate safety equipment, including gloves
WHS Risk
Example type of activity Risk Rating
Appropriate controls – any or all of these controls should be indicated
either specifically or in general terms
Injury, contamination or
infection from organic material,
waste material or metal debris.
Handling organic
material or soil (e.g.
mulches, potting mix or
other media). Removal
of flood debris or
placement of plantbased erosion control
structures.
High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or Low with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. WHS training in awareness of working with organic material
Any work involving deep
excavation to create
improved drainage or
erosion control.
Very High without
controls.
1. Formal Site safety plan and protocols are required and reference to the
development of this should be included
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. WHS training including Construction Induction, Plant Operator
Certification, safety spotter
Risk of trench or excavation
collapse and persons being
trapped in collapse.
3. Awareness of splinter or puncture injuries working with flood debris
4. Manual handling training and assistance provided for movement of
materials
5. Appropriate safety equipment including gloves, dust mask
27
3. Appropriate safety equipment such as Hard Hats, Safety Boots, High
Visibility clothing
WHS Risk
Example type of activity Risk Rating
Appropriate controls – any or all of these controls should be indicated
either specifically or in general terms
Working outdoors in exposed or
remote locations.
Any work outdoors in
exposed or remote
locations may include
WHS risks from sun, rain
(slip hazard), stinging
insects or plants,
snakes, allergic
reactions, eye injuries,
uneven ground, risk of
people getting lost, stick
injuries etc.
High without
controls.
1. Appropriate PPE such as Sunscreen, hat, water bottle, insect repellent,
first aid kit, closed (steel cap) boots, suitable clothing (long
sleeves/trousers) phone/radio;
Weed control.
Very High without
controls.
1. Training in Chemical Safety management
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
3. ChemSafe certificate desirable
Very High without
controls.
1. Working at Heights Certificate required if working from Elevated Work
Platform (Cherry Picker)
Medium or High with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. WHS training in ladder safety
Chemical contamination or
poisoning from herbicides.
Working at heights where there
is a risk of falling.
Installation of nesting
boxes for birds and
other fauna.
Medium or Low with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
28
2. Training in working outdoors, awareness of snakes etc.,
3. Validation of allergy conditions
4. Field work emergency protocols
2. Chemical safety protocols and procedures established
4. Provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) referenced
3. Safe Work Method Statement referenced for work at heights
4. Appropriate safety equipment such as hard hat, gloves, safety glasses,
harness (if required for cherry picker)
WHS Risk
Example type of activity Risk Rating
Appropriate controls – any or all of these controls should be indicated
either specifically or in general terms
Fire
Controlled burn off to
eliminate large scale
weed infestation prior
to ground preparation
Extreme without
controls.
1. Ensure that fire permit is obtained and do not burn on day of total fire
ban
Medium or Low with
controls depending
on extent of
controls.
2. Arrange for competent persons to conduct and control burn off, such
as local rural fire brigade
29
3. Essential personnel only in vicinity of burn-off and to be equipped with
appropriate PPE
30