Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program
Application Guidelines
1. Overview
1.1. Tourism in Victoria
Tourism is an important industry for Victoria, contributing $20.6 billion (5.9 per cent) towards the Gross State
Product and employing 206,000 people (directly and indirectly)1.
In July 2013, Victoria's 2020 Tourism Strategy was released; a whole-of-government document that provides a
clear vision about how the tourism industry can increase its economic and social contribution to the State. This
document aligns to Victoria’s commitment to the Commonwealth Government’s Tourism 2020 Strategy.
Consistent with the long term national tourism strategy, Victoria’s aim is to grow overnight tourism expenditure
to $24.7 billion by 2020.
Reaching this goal would have a significant impact on the Victorian economy. By 2020-21, it is estimated that
tourism will contribute approximately $34 billion to Victoria's Gross State Product (both direct and indirect
impacts) and generate an estimated 310,000 (direct and indirect) jobs.
1.2. Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program
The Commonwealth Government, through the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program (TDDI), has
allocated funding to each jurisdiction for the development of tourism infrastructure, while ensuring that the
benefits of any government investment can be multiplied across the sector. Tourism Victoria is responsible for
the administration and management of the TDDI for Victoria.
The Commonwealth Government has set out principles to guide their expectations of jurisdictions for the
implementation of this program, as outlined below:
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Projects must align to one or more of the Tourism 2020 strategic areas or to a request by Tourism
Ministers;
Jurisdictions must be able to show that the project will demonstrate a return on the Commonwealth
Government’s investment across the tourism supply chain;
Projects must have funding that matches the Commonwealth Government’s contribution, noting that
funding may be sourced from either the public or private sector, or a combination of both. In kind
contributions are not considered as matching funds; and
Jurisdictions may also choose to spend funds on a national project where benefits cross state borders.
1.3. Purpose of this document
This document sets out the guidelines for the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program.
1
2013-14 State Tourism Satellite Accounts, Tourism Research Australia, Canberra, released April 2015.
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2. Description and objectives of program
2.1. What is the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program?
The program provides monetary investment on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis, to develop tourism
infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of any government investment can be multiplied across the sector. In
particular the program supports projects that contribute to achieving the Tourism 2020 objectives.
Victoria has approximately $7 million over four years beginning in 2014/15 to allocate towards projects that are
seen to contribute to the State’s tourism industry, the Commonwealth Tourism 2020 Strategy and Victoria’s 2020
Tourism Strategy. Funds will be allocated on contestable basis.
2.2. Who can apply?
The TDDI funding is available to tourism related businesses or investors, local governments or tourism
associations.
Applicants are encouraged to seek comment from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Boards or
Destination Melbourne, in respect to how their project will align to local priorities.
2.3. Funding support
Applicants are expected to make a significant financial contribution or identify third party funding for projects.
Funding from the Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program will generally be limited to $250,000 to
$750,000, with at least equal funding from another source. Projects of greater or lesser value will be considered
subject to merit.
Applicants should maximise funding support from a range of sources including local and State government,
community, private sector and regional organisations. Note that additional Commonwealth Government funding
cannot be used as part of the ‘matched funds’. In-kind contributions are not accepted as part of the funding
contribution.
3. What types of projects can be funded?
3.1. Eligible projects
Funded projects should create and encourage visitation to a destination and to assist the tourism industry in
meeting Tourism 2020 targets. Eligible projects, and examples for each, include:
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Environmental – the development or enhancement of natural assets such as protected and recreational
areas, public spaces such as beaches and parks and walking trails;
Built – such as mixed-used facilities, convention facilities, cultural institutions, entertainment and
sporting facilities, city/town precincts and tourist attractions;
Transport – such as roads, rail networks, ports and airports; and
Enabling – such as tourism networks, plans and feasibility studies, and programmes to improve industry
capability and capacity (eg destination management planning, business planning, workforce
development, cultural awareness, digital product development).
Projects that demonstrate a collaborative approach across a region or the State are strongly encouraged.
In each case, any proposal must be able to measure and show how the proposed project will contribute to the
program principles outlined at 1.2 above.
3.2. What will not be funded?
The Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program will not fund:
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marketing, advertising or product promotion;
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regular repairs and maintenance;
upgrading or developing facilities predominantly for local communities;
buying or upgrading non-fixed equipment;
engaging or paying permanent employees;
buying or leasing real estate of any type; or
administrative or running costs that are normally the responsibility of a business, state or territory
administration or local council; or
projects requiring ongoing funding from State or Commonwealth Government once completed.
4. What is the application process?
There are some important steps to consider prior to submitting an application to the Tourism Demand Driver
Infrastructure Program.
4.1. Step 1: Prior to application
Prior to submitting an application, prospective applicants are advised to:
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read the Guidelines carefully to establish eligibility;
discuss the proposed application with a Tourism Victoria officer and (where relevant) the local Regional
Tourism Board or Destination Melbourne;
identify the alignment of the project with the relevant eligibility criteria and Tourism 2020 priorities;
demonstrate return on government investment; and
read the Terms and Conditions upon which the funding will be offered.
4.2. Step 2: Prepare an application
Prospective applicants should use the application to clearly and succinctly describe the purpose and objectives of
the project.
Applications must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer or equivalent.
GST
Prospective applicants should note that all project costs included in the application must be exclusive of GST. The
funding to be paid by Tourism Victoria will be inclusive of GST, provided the applicant provides details of
registration for the GST or proof of exemption from being required to register.
Application criteria
In preparing the applications, prospective applicants will be asked to address each of the following criteria:
a)
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c)
d)
e)
f)
Project readiness.
Demonstrated need (the project would not occur or would take much longer without this funding).
Availability of co-funding.
Capacity to deliver the project.
Alignment with regional, state and national priorities.
Demonstration of return of government investment.
The evidence supplied to support the alignment with these criteria will be evaluated.
Meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee that an offer of funding will be made as funds
are limited.
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5. Assessment
5.1. Assessment criteria
Eligible applications will be assessed using the questions and criteria listed below. Applicants should address all
relevant criteria and also provide supporting documents. Weightings in percentage are provided as a guide to the
relative importance of different criterion in the assessment process.
a) Project Readiness: Is the project ready to commence upon receipt of funding? (Pre-requisite)
The application demonstrates the extent to which the project:
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is investment ready, supported by clear approach and realistic timeframes, and is expected to
commence within six months of approval;
is financially viable, based on sound cost estimates and represents value for money;
is environmentally sound and consistent with good heritage practice, i.e. The Burra Charter (if heritage
listed); and
provides supporting documentation that is required by Tourism Victoria (see Section 6).
Projects that fall within the categories of Environmental, Built and Transport must have support of relevant
government agencies.
b) Demonstrated need: Why funding is important to this project? (Pre-requisite)
The application demonstrates that without funding the project would not occur or would take a long time to
complete.
c)
Availability of co-funding? (Pre-requisite)
The application demonstrates that at least 50% of funding for the project is from a separate source.
Commonwealth funding from separate sources will not count towards this criteria.
d) Capacity to deliver the project. How will the project be managed? (30%)
The application demonstrates the extent to which the organisation:
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e)
demonstrates an organisational capacity to implement the project, including prior experience with
similar project and personnel with appropriate experience, and/or the capacity to source expertise to
manage the project; and
demonstrates a collaborative approach with a range of partners and indicates how they will contribute
to the project.
Alignment with regional, state and national priorities: Why is the project needed? (35%)
The application:
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demonstrates the extent to which the project aligns to priorities identified within Commonwealth and
State Tourism 2020 Strategies and Victoria’s Regional Tourism Strategy 2013-16; and
describes the benefits of this project – economic (return on investment, jobs etc), social, environmental.
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f)
How the project demonstrates return on investment? (35%)
The application demonstrates the extent to which the project, directly or indirectly, provides a return on
Government investment across the tourism sector in terms of jobs and growth in GDP.
It is recognised that some projects directed towards local capacity building (eg in skills and employment, or IT
development) or strategic planning and investment (eg destination management planning or moving a project to
“investment ready” status), may not directly lead to additional jobs or growth in GDP. In these cases, proponents
should outline how the project will provide the basis for further investment and/or growth in the future.
5.2. Assessment process
The Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program involves a targeted process and may have a number of
applications for the available funding. Eligibility does not guarantee the success of a proposal.
An Assessment Panel will assess and rank all eligible applications against the criteria set out above. Additional
comments on applications may be sought from interested stakeholders such as local councils, Regional Tourism
Boards, Destination Melbourne, Regional Development Victoria and Parks Victoria. Applications will be ranked
based on a sum of scores across all criteria. The final funding ‘cut off’ score will be determined by available funds
and the quality of applications.
Tourism Victoria intends to inform applicants of a decision approximately two months after the relevant closing
date for contestable applications.
6. Supporting documents checklist
Please submit the following documents where required with your application.
All applications
□ a response to the assessment criteria set out in the program guidelines
□ completed project plan
□ cost estimates/quotes
□ letters of support from at least two other organisations that clearly define their involvement with the project
or anticipated benefit from the project
□ evidence confirming funding sources (for example Local Government report/letter confirming contribution)
□ evidence showing alignment to the Tourism 2020 Strategy and Victoria’s 2020 Tourism Strategy
□ two annual reports or three years’ worth of audited financial statements
Additional information
Please also submit the following information depending on your organisation type.
Applicants with auspice
□ written advice from the auspice organisation that they have sighted and support the application.
Local Strategic and Project Planning
□ draft Project/Consultants brief.
Community infrastructure
□ planning permits, if available.
□ floor/site plans for project.
□ schematic plans for project (where available).
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7. Application and funding conditions
7.1. Funding agreements
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Tourism Victoria detailing all
funding obligations and conditions. The standard terms and conditions upon which the funding is offered are
available via contacting Tourism Victoria on (03) 9653 9777.
The funding agreement is a legally enforceable document that clearly defines the obligations of both parties. The
funding agreement aims to protect the Government’s interests and to ensure the efficient and effective use of
public money, while also ensuring that there is appropriate recognition of Commonwealth and Victorian
Government support on project related publications, media releases and promotional materials.
Funding agreements must be signed by the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) and will:
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describe the purpose for which the funding must be used;
Set out any requirements or conditions that must be met prior to payment of a funding instalment; and
Outline agreed milestones and project outcomes that must be achieved before payment of a funding
instalment.
Once the funding agreement has been executed, the applicant will be required to actively manage and deliver the
project, and provide progress reports to Tourism Victoria. During the course of the project, Tourism Victoria may
conduct site visits, as necessary.
Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement and commence the project within six months from the
date of offer of the funding. If a project does not commence within this timeframe, an application for extension
will need to be submitted and will be considered by Tourism Victoria or the application will lapse.
7.2. Payments
Payments for the TDDI Program will be made in arrears twice yearly. Applicants will be expected to meet project
costs beforehand. Projects funded under the TDDI program must demonstrate that they have reached specified
milestones before any payments will be made.
Payments will be made as long as:
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The funding agreement has been signed by both parties;
Funding recipients provide reports as required, or otherwise demonstrates that the activity is
progressing as expected;
Other terms and conditions of funding continue to be met.
7.3. Promotions
Successful applicants need to acknowledge the Victorian Government’s support through the provision of funding
through Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure Program.
Promotional guidelines form a part of the Funding Agreement and include the requirement for all projects to
acknowledge the Victorian Government’s support through logo presentation on any project related publications,
media releases and promotional material; and/or erection of a Tourism Victoria endorsed sign at the site of
infrastructure projects.
Successful applicants may be required to contribute information on project outcomes for use in program
evaluation reviews and/or Tourism Victoria marketing materials.
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7.4. Privacy
Any personal information about you or a third party in your application will be collected by Tourism Victoria, a
body within the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), for the purpose
of funding administration. This information may be provided to other Government bodies for the purposes of
assessing your application. If you intend to include personal information about third parties in your application,
please ensure that they are aware of the contents of this privacy statement.
Any personal information about you or a third party in your correspondence will be collected, held, managed,
used, disclosed or transferred in accordance with the provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2000 (Vic) and
other applicable laws.
DEDJTR is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information. You can find the DEDJTR Privacy Policy
online at http://www.ecodev.vic.gov.au. Click on the Privacy Statement link at the bottom of the page and then
click on the Department’s Privacy Policy. Enquiries about access to information about you held by DEDJTR should
be directed to the Department’s Privacy Unit by phone (03) 9665 9535 or email privacy@ecodev.vic.gov.au.
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8. Additional information and useful resources
Below are a range of resources and publication that may be useful in planning for and delivering activities:
Tourism publications
Commonwealth Government Tourism 2020: http://www.tourism2020.gov.au/
Victoria’s 2020 Tourism Strategy: http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/about/strategies-and-publications/victoria-s2020-tourism-strategy.html
Victoria’s Regional Tourism Strategy 2013-16: http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/about/strategies-andpublications/regional-plans.html
Research Statistics: http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/research.html
Environmentally sustainable design
Infrastructure proposals are encouraged to incorporate Environmentally Sustainable Design initiatives into
project designs.
Universal design
Universal design is a philosophy that encourages building development beyond what is required by the Disability
Standards for Access to premises. The intent of universal design is to create environments to be usable by all
people, to the greatest extent possible.
Urban Design Charter
www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/urban-design/what-is-urban-design
The Urban Design Charter is a commitment by the Victorian Government and other signatories to make cities and
towns more liveable through good urban design.
The Burra Charter
http://australia.icomos.org/publications/charters/
The Burra Charter: The Australian International Council on Monumental Sites (ICOMOS) Charter for Places of
Cultural Significance (1999) provides guidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural
significance and is based on the knowledge and experience of Australia ICOMOS members.
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