Lower Hunter District 2015/16
Hunter Flood Recovery Grants Program
Guidelines for Applicants
Program Information
Funding available
Total funding available is $80,000 from Hunter Catchment Contributions
Applications open
11th November 2015
Closing date for
applications
Final date for
completion of
approved projects
Eligibility
4th December 2015
Eligible activities
See Page 3
Minimum Hunter LLS
outputs to be
delivered by this
Program

Identified Priority
Areas
(funding restricted to)
30 June 2016
Landholders, land managers and community organisations in the Hunter
catchment affected by the April 2015 flood.


5 landholders applying land management improvement and repair on
flood damaged properties
#ha of riparian improvement
#m of fencing repaired or realigned
Properties within the following LGAs:
- Dungog - Excluding Torryburn area (separate program available)
- Cessnock
- Maitland
- Singleton
- Port Stephens (Williams River catchment only)
Funding available
Minimum of $5,000, and maximum of up to $15,000 per project
Lodging applications
Electronically: incentives.program@lls.nsw.gov.au
or
Written:
Conditions of Funding
Lower Hunter Small Grants Program
Hunter Local Land Services
Private Bag 2010
Paterson NSW 2421
- Standard LLS Grant funding terms and conditions apply (Page 5 of these
guidelines)
- LLS on-ground works minimum standards apply (Page 5-6 of these
guidelines)
Where to get
assistance?
Flood Recovery Program contact:
Skye Moore – ph: 02 4938 4956 or 0428 048 060
Email: skye.moore@lls.nsw.gov.au
General enquiries:
Phone: 02 49301030
Email: admin@hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
Office: Hunter LLS, 816 Tocal Road (Private Bag 2010) Paterson NSW 2421
About Local Land Services
Local Land Services (LLS) was established in January 2014 to deliver quality, customer-focused services to
farmers, landholders and the community across rural and regional New South Wales.
Hunter LLS bring together agricultural production advice, biosecurity, natural resource management and
emergency management into a single organisation. The functions and services provided by the Hunter LLS
will include:
 Agricultural production advice: supporting sustainable productive food and fibre industries;
 Biodiversity and natural resources protection and enhancement;
 Biosecurity services protecting New South Wales’ economy, environment and community from
pests, weeds and disease;
 Support for the people of NSW to deal with emergencies, in particular those related to biosecurity
threats and natural disasters.
These functions and services are delivered through a combination of Commonwealth and State funding,
grants, rates and user pays sources.
Hunter LLS covers from Lake Macquarie, north to Taree, and west to Merriwa and Murrurundi. For more
information on Hunter LLS, go to our website at www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
The Lower Hunter District is part of the Hunter LLS region, and includes the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle,
Port Stephen, Maitland, Cessnock and Dungog Local Government Areas (LGAs).
About the Program
The Hunter Flood Recovery Program is a component of the 2015-16 Lower Hunter District Service Delivery
Plan. This Plan directs investment and services to Hunter LLS customers in the Lower Hunter District.
The Hunter Flood Recovery Program aims to provide capacity building, technical and financial assistance to
support landholders whom were affected by the floods during the Super Storm event in April 2015, to
improve flood damage through riparian improvement, fencing realignment and weed management on-ground
projects.
The objectives of Hunter Flood Recovery Program:
 Support landholders and industries to recover from the 2015 April Super Storm event.

Increase awareness and capacity for the community to prepare and successfully respond to natural
disasters including flood, drought and fire.

Increase the capacity of Hunter LLS landholders to respond to natural disasters and biosecurity
emergencies into the future.
Eligibility
Landholders, land managers and community organisations in the identified priority areas, subject to:
 The project property being located in the identified priority LGA areas:
o Dungog - Excluding Torryburn area (separate program available)
o Cessnock
o Maitland
o Singleton
o Port Stephens (Williams River catchment only)
 The proponents completing works for any previously funded projects.
 The proposed works must be able to be completed by 30 June 2016.
 Hunter LLS minimum standards for on-ground works being met.
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines


The proposed activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native
Vegetation Act 2003, Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
All current Hunter LLS financial obligations are paid.
Types of Activities
The types of activities that can be funded under this Program include (but are not limited to):

Realignment and repair of existing fencing affected by storm/flood damage along riparian areas
(excluding boundary fences)

Revegetation with endemic native species to restore riparian vegetation and assist in riverbank
stabilisation.

Weed control associated with riparian vegetation management.

Management of grazing through the installation of livestock exclusion fencing to improve:
o Natural regeneration of riparian vegetation
o Improvement of ground cover and banks stability

Installation of alternative watering systems supplementary to riparian fencing.
Types of activities that will not be funded under this program include:
 Proponents who have not completed the works for their previously Hunter LLS or Catchment
Management Authority (CMA) funded project will be ineligible for funding

The proposed works must not be previously funded through a Hunter LLS or CMA funding
agreement and still subject to maintenance provisions.

All project activities must abide by NSW State and Australian Commonwealth laws e.g. Native
Vegetation Act 2003, Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 etc.

Purely production oriented activities.

Major farm water supplies including irrigation.

Activities that are the legal responsibility of the landholder, such as noxious weed control and
vertebrate pest management.

Purchase of machinery and computer hardware and software, where there is no demonstrated land
use change.

Activities more appropriately funded by other bodies.

Activities that the land managers can reasonably be expected to undertake to ensure sustainable
management of areas under their control.

Work that is undertaken before the project agreement for the proposal is signed or after the project
agreement ends.

Projects that mainly beautify or improve amenity.

Standard boundary fencing that is the landholder’s normal responsibility.

Capital works, for example construction of buildings or viewing platforms to improve amenity.

Expert advice that could alternatively be provided by the Hunter LLS or other government agency.

Research.

Any works for mostly private benefit.

Activities that may be required due to: legal responsibilities, compliance with development consents
and/or reasonable duty of care.

Activities that do not directly deliver on the specified Hunter LLS Strategic Plan outcomes.
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines
Assessment Process
Applications will be initially screened to confirm that all eligibility criteria are met, and that there is sufficient
information in the application form for an assessment to be made.
Applications will then be assessed by a panel against the following criteria:
1. The likelihood that proposed land use changes/activities will result in improved sustainable land
management practices, including grazing and riparian management practices to ensure improved
resilience of riparian corridor and waterway in the future.
2. The likelihood that proposed land use changes/activities will result in improved resilience and
preparedness for the landholder and their property in future times of storm/flood.
3. The proponent is committed to completing the project within a required duration, and undertaking the
required ongoing maintenance and monitoring (5 years).
4. Applicant has included an in-kind and/or cash contribution.
5. Applicant can demonstrate that the project provides public and private benefit, and represents value
for money.
6. A risk assessment of the likelihood of a successful project outcome for funding provided.
7. All current Hunter LLS financial obligations are paid.
The Hunter LLS may contact applicants during the assessment process to confirm or clarify any information
in the application form. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment process. If your
application is successful, it intended that all contracts will need to be finalised and signed prior to 23rd
December 2015.
Where to get assistance?
Your Hunter LLS contact officer (as listed on page 1) are available to assist you with the development of your
application, including providing advice on best practice management, design, costing, and developing a
detailed map.
All applications must be accompanied by a project works map showing the location and type of proposed
management activities on your property. This map will be prepared by your Hunter LLS contact officer, in
consultation with you.
Applications for Hunter Flood Recovery Program will need to complete a Lower Hunter Small Grants
Application Form available on Hunter LLS website at www.hunter.lls.nsw.gov.au
Lodging Applications Applications can be lodged in two ways.
1. Submit the original signed application to the Hunter LLS by 4th December 2015. Applications post
marked this date will be accepted. Send applications to…
Lower Hunter Small Grants Program
Hunter Local Land Services
Private Bag 2010
Paterson NSW 2421
2. Submit your application electronically by 4th December 2015 to:
incentives.program@lls.nsw.gov.au
Electronically lodged applications must come from the applicant’s e-mail account and must include a
copy of the Hunter LLS produced map. The subject line should include the following information:
HR_xxx-“Proponent surname”
(the HR_xxx project identifier will be provided by your Hunter LLS Officer)
----------- Applications that are sent directly to Hunter LLS staff will not be accepted. -----------
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines
Conditions of funding
Contracts
All Hunter LLS Grants will be delivered through an
Agreement. A copy of the standard agreement letter is
available to all applicants to review prior to submitting the
application. Please contact the Hunter LLS office to
access a copy of the standard agreement template.
the agreement. A copy of your certificate of currency
should be provided with your project application. The
Hunter LLS will not enter into an agreement with a
proponent until a copy of your certificate of currency is
supplied.
Disclosure of Information
The Agreement letter will need to be signed by the
applicant and the land owner (If different). The landholder
on the application should match the landholder that will
sign the contract and this should also match landholder
that will receive the Grant funds.
The Hunter LLS has requirements with the Australian and
NSW Government to provide spatial information and
details of funded works. The Hunter LLS will be required
report spatially and on activities to these funding bodies,
which may in turn be published on public websites. The
Hunter LLS aims to provide information to the public
spatially on achievements associated with public funds.
Your project may be represented spatially e.g. point or
polygon on catchment scale map in publicly released
documents but no detailed information will be released.
How will you be paid?
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
A payment schedule will be determined as part of funding
agreement negotiations. Funds will generally be paid 40%
on completion of the first milestone which will generally be
the submission of a WHS management plan and baseline
photos. The remainder of funds will paid on completion of
agreed milestones with 10% being withheld for the
submission and approval the final report.
All Grant payments from the Hunter LLS will be made
during the 2015-16 financial year provided milestones are
achieved. Milestone payments may require a site
inspection by the Hunter LLS to verify completion of the
milestone. A final report on the project outcomes will be
required to receive the final payment.
Payment will be made on receipt of a signed ATO
compliant tax invoice on completion of agreement
milestones. GST registered Grantees will be paid 10%
GST on top of the approved Grant amount. Applicants
should discuss the implications of receiving funding from
the Hunter LLS with a financial adviser prior to applying.
Monitoring and Reporting
All on-ground projects funded by the Hunter LLS will be
required to provide before and after photos, and in some
cases regular photo-point monitoring. The Hunter LLS
has a guideline for photo monitoring available on the
website.
The Hunter LLS may also require monitoring of
groundcover using the step point monitoring method or
native vegetation condition monitoring depending on the
type of activities proposed.
All projects funded by the Hunter LLS may be included in
more detailed vegetation and/or soil condition monitoring
undertaken by the Hunter LLS.
A final report on the project outcomes will be required to
receive a final payment prior to 31 December 2016.
Further details of monitoring requirements and templates
for reports are available from a Hunter LLS contact officer
and will be made available to successful applicants.
Maintenance
All funded activities will require maintenance to ensure the
outcomes are maintained. On-ground projects will
generally be required to be maintained for 5 years, but
exceptions may apply for community groups.
Public Liability Insurance
All funded projects must be prepared to maintain current
Public Liability Insurance ($10 million) for the duration of
The Hunter LLS recommends that Aboriginal consultation
be undertaken during the planning stage of all projects.
The Hunter LLS has Aboriginal staff that can assist you in
contacting the appropriate person(s) or organisation.
Workplace Health and Safety
The first milestone payment will be linked to the
completion of a WHS risk assessment and in some cases
the completion of a Work Health and Safety Management
Plan. The WHS Management Plan should document a
Work Health and Safety risk assessment in accordance
with Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requirements.
Hunter LLS staff can assist in preparing a risk assessment
and Work Health and Safety Management Plan for
projects.
Minimum standards for onground works
General
Proponents are required to successfully complete their
project as agreed in the contract, and maintain the
condition of their project site for the entire maintenance
period required (5 years). For example, weed and pest
animal control should be maintained at completed project
level.
Fencing
All fencing (electric or standard) must be managed in a
stock-proof condition for the term of the agreement. In
addition the following standards apply:

Stock proof fencing to stabilise natural waterways:
o Fence to be permanent and located a minimum
distance back from the top of the high bank of
5m + the full height of the high bank from the
streambed + an allowance for the rate of erosion
versus stabilisation.

Stock proof fencing to manage nutrient runoff or to
restore in-stream habitat:
o Fence to be permanent and located a minimum
distance back from the top of the high bank of
5m.

Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate native
riparian vegetation:
o Fence to be permanent and should be located a
minimum distance back from the top of the high
bank of 5-20m for riparian vegetation – to be
negotiated with Hunter LLS contact officer.

Stock proof fencing to protect or regenerate remnant
native vegetation:
o Fence is to be permanent. Fencing around
single trees will generally not be funded.
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines
Revegetation
All revegetation activities funded by the Hunter LLS must
achieve and maintain at least an 80% survival and
establishment rate and stock exclusion fencing must be
installed where stock could potentially access the site.
Local provenance seed/planting tubestock must be used
on revegetation sites. Importantly, all areas revegetated
through funding will be defined as ‘protected regrowth’
under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) and
therefore cannot be cleared in the future. (For further
information about the NV Act
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation/nvact.htm)
In addition, the following standards apply to specific
revegetation activities:

Revegetation of gullies, rivers and creeks: Any
plantings along riparian lands must use local native
species. Riparian revegetation projects should aim, if
possible, to cover both sides of the flow line.

Revegetation for biodiversity and conservation
purposes: A mix of local native species suitable for
the site must be used. Wildlife corridors must link (be
within 20m) of existing areas of remnant vegetation
or established revegetation sites and must be at least
25 m wide or have an average width of at least 30m.
Structural works
This may include earthworks or construction activities for:

Gully filling/shaping,

Construction of diversion banks,

Construction of gully control structures/ dams,

Construction of concrete or rock flumes,

Rock revetment, groynes and bed control structures

In-stream works for enhancing aquatic habitat and/or
controlling bed or bank erosion.
All structural works must be constructed to Hunter LLS
standards and meet all regulatory requirements.
Soil Testing
Where soil testing is required, it must be carried out by a
NATA accredited laboratory.
Provision of alternate stock water
supplies
Alternate stock watering for protecting or regenerating
native riparian vegetation or managing nutrient runoff may
be required where stream bank vegetation is fenced. This
may be achieved by installing additional stock water
troughs, pipelines, tanks and pumps for a reticulated
supply. The installation of additional stock water supply
should be limited to providing water to areas that were
previously supplied by the riparian area that has been
fenced. All stock water works including provision of
alternate stock water supply for sustainable grazing and
implementing property plans must be technically sound
and comply with the Native Vegetation Act, 2003.
Weed Control
Weed control for treating weeds or regenerating or
protecting native vegetation will need to demonstrate that
weed control is integral to achieving good biodiversity
outcomes and/or addressing broader environmental
issues. While noxious weed control may be required on a
given site by legislation, funding for the control of noxious
weeds is permitted where weed control is not the primary
activity.
Weed control activities must achieve at least an 80%
reduction in cover of the targeted weed species and this
should be maintained for the term of the agreement.
Directions on appropriate herbicide use must be adhered
to and relevant permits must be acquired if undertaking
weed control near waterways or water bodies. Permits
may also be required from the NSW National Parks and
Wildlife Service to control weeds in Endangered
Ecological Communities (EECs).
Grazing Management
Grazing must be excluded unless it is compatible with the
proposed NRM actions and intended outcomes. Technical
advice should be sought from Hunter LLS staff or other
suitably qualified persons.
Project activities and outcomes determine if projects
involve sustainable grazing or strategic grazing.
Sustainable grazing
Grazing management practices that increase pasture and
stock productivity without high inputs, improve farm
profitability, increase rainfall capture and enhance both on
and off-farm resources. This requires a good
understanding of pasture growth processes, managing
stock feed demand against herbage mass availability,
managing for land capability, maintaining high levels of
groundcover and pasture litter and increasing pasture
perenniality and species diversity.
All activities for sustainable grazing incentives must be
carried out and monitored with a sustainable grazing plan.
Strategic Grazing
Grazing management practices used as a land
management tool for outcomes such as bushfire fuel load
reduction, weed control or increasing native plant diversity.
It involves short grazes at limited strategic times and to an
extent compatible with achieving NRM rather than
production outcomes. It predominantly entails stock
exclusion.
Grazing must be excluded for projects that deliver native
vegetation, riverine or biodiversity outcomes, unless it is
compatible with a given vegetation community that is
present (e.g. grassy woodland), its current condition,
proposed future condition and proposed management
actions. Where strategic grazing is appropriate, it should
follow a minimum period of stock exclusion of 3 years to
initiate and promote natural regeneration and to ensure
any necessary revegetation plantings (groundcover,
shrubs and or trees) are established. Strategic grazing
thereafter should be limited to a maximum of 8 weeks in
any one year, a maximum of 2 weeks grazing within any
one grazing period and with grazing periods a minimum of
8 weeks apart.
A minimum of 70% groundcover must be maintained, with
stock excluded during declared droughts and immediately
following heavy rainfall. Step point and photo point
monitoring of groundcover at 6 monthly intervals must be
undertaken.
Fire Management
The landholder must not carry out any burning for Native
Vegetation or Riparian Protection or Regeneration, and for
Revegetation of Highly Erodible Soils unless required to
do so under the Rural Fires Act 1997, or in accordance
with a Hunter LLS approved Fire Plan. Burning must
involve an ecologically appropriate fire management
regime that promotes biodiversity outcomes. Technical
advice should be sought from Hunter LLS staff or other
suitably qualified persons.
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Lower Hunter Flood Recovery Program – Grant Guidelines