2015 Threatened Species
Protection Initiative
Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015
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August 2015 ISBN 978-1-74146-756-7 (pdf)
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Cover photograph
White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster ) Photograph from DSE (DELWP) photo library
Minister’s Foreword
Victoria is home to some of the most interesting and unique flora and fauna in
Australia, and indeed, the world. Today, a number of these species are sadly
endangered or threatened, as a result of both human and natural activity.
Without prompt intervention, those special plants and animals risk extinction. If we
don’t take steps to address our impacts on the natural environment, we lose the
diversity of native species, habitats and ecosystems that are needed to maintain a
healthy natural environment.
We, the Victorian Government, have an important part to play in protecting
threatened species. We are stepping up and playing a leading role in conservation. But
if our leadership and investment is to truly make a difference, we need support. We need Victorians to
help.
The health of our natural environment is everyone’s responsibility. Every day, every one of us benefits from
a healthy environment: breathing the air, enjoying the land, drinking the water. A healthy environment is
essential for our wellbeing and critical for healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities. To this end,
we can all make a difference.
Pleasingly, many Victorians already care for the natural environment through a range of actions that
support conservation efforts.
Targeted and coordinated action on threatened species helps plants and animals to survive in the short
term, while Government develops longer-term strategies and programs to address systemic challenges to
threatened species’ survival. Both of these approaches are critical to success.
We recognise the value of our partners in making change happen quickly.
To harness that, we have established the Threatened Species Protection Initiative to support the great work
happening across our partner organisations and in the community. Through the initiative, $3 million dollars
will be provided through the Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants to environmental agencies
and organisations to reduce threats and secure important sites for threatened species.
A number of grant recipients will also have the opportunity to expand their programs through
crowdfunding campaigns. In a Victorian Government first, we will partner with an Australian crowdfunding
website to support threatened species conservation campaigns. This enables the community to directly
invest in causes and projects that they value, and are particularly passionate about.
I am excited about this innovative, partnership approach to conserving our natural environment.
I wish all grant applicants the best of luck with their applications, and I look forward to seeing the positive
outcomes your work has for our threatened species.
The Hon Lisa Neville
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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What is the Threatened Species Protection Initiative?
Victoria has some unique and precious flora and fauna.
However, Victoria’s flora and fauna face a number of challenges, with around one quarter to one third
threatened to some degree. Habitat continues to be lost or to decline in suitability due to impacts of
climate change, land use and threats posed.

The new Threatened Species Protection Initiative (TSPI) will support immediate action on threatened
species and habitat protection, whilst a longer term strategy for flora and fauna is developed.

$3 million in Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants targeted at site specific and landscape
threat reduction activities in partnership with environmental agencies and organisations.

$2 million in Community Volunteer Action Grants targeted at local threatened species projects.

$200,000 for a crowdfunding pilot which will allow community groups and organisations a unique
opportunity to expand their projects through crowdfunding.

The initiative takes an innovative, partnership approach to threatened species protection that
recognises and harnesses the value of grassroots action coupled with good science in making change
happen quickly.
This guidelines document provides instruction for the Critical Action and Strategic
Partnerships Grants.
What are threatened species?
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) provides for the listing of taxa (genera, species,
subspecies, varieties) and communities of flora and fauna that are threatened and in decline as a result of
actions such as the removal of habitat. Threatened species have a statutory listing under the FFG Act which
affords a species legal protection.
 Statutory Listing under FFG Act
In addition, threatened species are listed under advisory lists (invertebrate fauna, vertebrate fauna, plants)
which provide detail of the conservation status of species in a way that is not currently provided for by
statutory mechanisms.
 Conservation Status- Victoria (Advisory List)
Threatened species listed under the FFG Act or Advisory Lists are the focus of the Threatened Species
Protection Initiative. Environmental organisations and agencies can apply for Critical Action and Strategic
Partnerships funding for actions that support a single species or multiple species for high value actions
listed as priority in the Actions for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) database by the Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
What funding is available?
The $3 million is available for environmental organisations, institutes, DELWP and government agencies
working together to undertake actions aimed at reducing threats to key threatened species sites.
Successful grant recipients may also be provided a unique opportunity to raise further funds through a pilot
crowdfunding campaign (refer What happens next on page 7).
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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When do applications open and close?
Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants:
Applications open 9.00am Wednesday 12 August 2015
Applications close 4.00pm Tuesday 8 September 2015
Who can apply?
Key professional environmental agencies and organisations such as Catchment Management Authorities,
Water Authorities, local and state government agencies, research institutes, zoos and museums directly
involved in threatened species conservation activities can apply for funding.
Who is NOT eligible to apply?
The following are NOT eligible:

private individuals

private trusts

owners and caretakers of heritage properties under Trust
 community groups
Community groups working on local threatened species projects are encouraged to apply for a Community
Volunteer Action grant available as part of the Threatened Species Protection Initiative. Refer to separate
guidelines available on the DELWP website - http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/tspi
What will be funded?
The Actions for Biodiversity Conservation (ABC) database will be used to identify potential actions and
guide the development of regional project packages with partners to address threatened species
management at key population sites. Funding is available to complete projects deliverable by June 2016,
aimed at mitigating threats to important populations of Victorian threatened species. Project proposals can
consider undertaking various combinations of action, location and species to benefit – all combinations in
the table below are acceptable. Indeed, ‘packaging’ is encouraged where it leads to more efficient project
delivery. However, each of the components will need to be adequately documented individually in the
application.
Options for proposals
Single location
Multiple locations
Single action
One or more species to benefit
One or more species to benefit
Multiple actions
One or more species to benefit
One or more species to benefit
The grants will support coordinated action by DELWP and key environmental partners to deliver threatened
species projects on public and private land. A project must address key threats as described in the ABC
database for important populations for each species included in a project. Proposals will need to focus on
high priority actions and high priority locations. High priority actions are those that are considered to
contribute most to reducing threats operating at an important location for that species. The durability of
the action, the reduction in threat expected as a result of action and the relative importance of the site for
a population or species will be factors in determining the benefit of a proposal.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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What will NOT be funded?
Funding is not available for:

Activities that are already fully funded through another organisation or program

Activities that are not likely to achieve threat reduction to high priority sites for threatened species
conservation

Native vegetation offset projects (such as through a condition of a permit to clear native
vegetation, contract or agreement)

Any activity involving clearing of native vegetation

Any activity involving the use of leg hold traps or explosives

Any illegal activity

Purchase of goods for competitions, prizes, giveaways, vouchers or alcohol

Development of recreational facilities, beautification projects, infrastructure or engineering works

Erosion control structures

Insurance

Any other action or activity deemed through the assessment process to be an inappropriate use of
the funds

Melbourne Strategic Assessment particular areas and species (see below)
Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA) eligible areas and species
The Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA) evaluates the impacts of the Victorian Government’s urban
development program for Melbourne on matters of national environmental significance listed under the
Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and establishes
conservation measures to mitigate these impacts. Conservation measures include securing and managing a
range of conservation areas within and external to Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary. As a result some
threatened species and communities in certain reserves will not be eligible for inclusion.
MSA eligible areas and species
Some Melbourne reserves and sites may be eligible for funding subject to confirmation with DELWP MSA
staff. Proponents should contact MSA staff directly (via the contact details provided) to ensure that
locations and species are eligible before finalising proposals.
MSA ineligible areas and species
The following threatened species and communities are ineligible on public land and land secured under
agreement through the Conservation, Forests and Land Act 1987 (CF&L Act) within the Western Grassland
Reserves and Growth corridor conservation areas CA 26, CA 12, CA 24, CA 10, and CA 35 identified in the
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (DEPI 2013) as well as Truganina South conservation area identified in
the precinct structure plan for Truganina South;
 Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain
 Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain
 Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands (Freshwater) of the Temperate Lowland Plains
 Button Wrinklewort
 Large-fruit Groundsel
 Maroon Leek-orchid
 Small Golden Moths Orchid
 Matted Flax-lily
 Spiny Rice-flower
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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



Golden Sun Moth
Growling Grass Frog
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Striped Legless Lizard
For a copy of the MSA strategies, please refer to the DELWP website:
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/melbourne-strategic-assessment
For proposals targeting areas within the MSA, please contact Jessica Millett-Riley, 03 9637 9119 or
msa.conservation@delwp.vic.gov.au
What is the process for developing a proposal?
DELWP Regional Services staff will facilitate and coordinate the development of project proposals. Potential
partners should contact the relevant DELWP regional contact listed below to discuss ideas to develop joint
or independent project proposals and obtain the template for submitting a proposal.
Only high priority actions at high value threatened species locations currently identified in the ABC
database will be considered.
DELWP Regional Services staff will identify broad priorities for threatened species management based on
ABC and provide advice to interested partners in consideration of the timelines for funding and suitability
of actions for the development of submissions.
Proposals must provide the rationale for undertaking the work, the objectives and outcomes expected, the
activities and delivery time frame plus a breakdown of all costs associated with the project, including all
non-Government and Government resourcing (both in-kind and co-investment).
In addition, proponents will need to include information on the relative importance of the location, the
degree of threat reduction expected by proposed actions, and the feasibility of the action. Evidence that
gives confidence that the project is well designed, and that proponents are equipped with the suitable skills
and experience to deliver within time frames and budget will need to be supplied (such as a list of previous
threatened species projects undertaken).
A template with instructions will be provided by DELWP Regional Services to partners to work up
submissions to be able to submit final applications.
After projects have been approved for funding, a project plan based on the proposal submitted will be
prepared, incorporating key milestones for delivery. Guidance will be made available to help with this.
All Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships projects will need to be completed by June 2016 and acquitted
in July 2016. A template will be provided. Reporting requirements will be outlined in contracts.
Actions identified in the initial proposal will need to be reported in the ABC database at the end of the
program. Guidance will be made available to assist with this.
All actions must have the relevant landowner’s approval before proposals are submitted.
Who do I contact to develop a proposal?
The following DELWP Regional Services staff will facilitate and coordinate the development of proposals in
their regions.
DELWP Region
Port Phillip
Barwon South West
Grampians
Loddon Mallee
Hume
Gippsland
Key Contact
Merryn Kelly
Dr Michelle Ibbett
Virginia McLeod
Jill Fleming
Jane Roots
Stephen Henry
Telephone
9450 8776
52335557
5336 6786
5430 4728
02 60437956
5161 1366
Email
merryn.kelly@delwp.vic.gov.au
michelle.ibbett@delwp.vic.gov.au
virginia.mcleod@delwp.vic.gov.au
jill.fleming@delwp.vic.gov.au
jane.roots@delwp.vic.gov.au
stephen.henry@delwp.vic.gov.au
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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How do I submit a proposal?
1
2
3
4
Contact your DELWP Regional Services member to initiate discussion on regional threatened
species priorities.
Obtain a copy of the required template and instructions from the Regional Services member.
Develop proposal ideas in consultation with Regional Services staff and other partners.
When you have finalised your proposal, create an account for SmartyGrants, log in using the
instructions, complete the questions asked and attach your template.
What will be considered in the assessment?
Project costs and benefits will be used to assess proposed projects, including:

RELATIVE IMPORTANCE: the relative contribution of individual sites towards the long term
conservation of a threatened species in Victoria.

DURABILITY: the degree to which the outcomes of actions undertaken over the time period will
endure in the absence of further funding.

THREAT REDUCTION: the reduction in the overall level of threat as a result of the action.

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT COST: the investment cost from all Victorian Government inputs
required to deliver the project actions.

PARTNERSHIP APPROACH: Non Victorian Government funds received in a project will be viewed
favourably as leveraging benefit and coordinated effort with partner organisations is encouraged.
What happens next?
Proposals will be reviewed by a technical group to validate actions, locations and evidence prior to
assessment. An independent panel will assess proposals in order to make recommendations for funding.
Following assessment, the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water will announce successful
grant recipients.
You will be advised of the outcome of your application in writing after the assessment process is
completed. All decisions are final and are not subject to further review. However any applicant not granted
funding can ask for feedback on their application.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants, if interested will be able to participate in information sessions on
crowdfunding.
A selection of successful grant recipients will also be provided the opportunity to raise further funds for
threatened species actions through a pilot crowdfunding campaign (refer page 8). Successful crowdfunding
campaign projects will be provided with matched government funds.
Funding conditions
Successful applicants are required to:

Enter into a funding agreement with DELWP to be signed by the authorised representative from the
organisation.

Be responsible for meeting contractual obligations including expenditure acquittal and project
reporting (including provision of spatial and standard output data).

Be available to participate in a facilitated workshop that will contribute to building or refining a
Bayesian model for selected populations, where required.

Adhere to all relevant legislation including Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Acknowledge the Victorian Government funding in publications.

Work with DELWP to identify and promote major project milestones and completion.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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Key Dates
12 AUGUST 2015
8 SEPTEMBER 2015
OCTOBER 2015
JUNE 2016
JULY 2016
Grants applications open
Grants applications close
Applicants notified of outcome, projects start
Projects completed
Reporting completed
Crowdfunding
The Victorian Government is providing $3 million for Critical Action & Strategic Partnerships
Grants. In addition, it is also supporting a crowdfunding pilot of $200,000. Crowdfunding raises
small contributions from a large number of people through their social networks.
Crowdfunding:
 Allows the community to contribute to campaigns that they value, and
 Helps raise the profile of projects to generate additional awareness and involvement.
The Victorian Government will match community contributions for approved campaigns, with
up to $25,000 in Government funds available for each campaign.
Express your interest in crowdfunding in the Critical Action and Strategic
Partnerships Grants application and we will contact you with more information in
September 2015.
More information
Contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 or visit the website: http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au/tspi
Contact us
You can contact DELWP staff directly on the numbers provided in the guidelines.
2015 Threatened Species Protection Initiative Critical Action and Strategic Partnerships Grants Guidelines
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www.delwp.vic.gov.au