Victorian Local Sustainability Accord Round Five Funding Guidelines

Victorian Local Sustainability Accord A partnership between Local & State Government www.dse.vic.gov.au www.climatechange.vic.gov.au

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, , October 2010

© The State of Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010

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Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Contents

What is the Accord?...... 2

Accord funding program...... 3

Accord funding program – round five...... 4

Timeline and assessment process...... 5

Individual Grants – for resource constrained councils...... 6

Partnership Grants – fostering innovation and collaboration...... 8

Regional Grants – supporting regional partnerships...... 11

Terms and Conditions...... 13

Submission...... 14

Contacts and further information...... 14

Appendix 1 – Eligibility ...... 15 What is the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord?

The Victorian Local Sustainability Addressing climate change was identified Accord, established in November as a critical issue during an extensive consultation and review of the first 2005, is a landmark partnership phase of the Accord. The second phase agreement that aims to build therefore aims to see the State and local better relationships between governments continue to work together to: local governments and the • Explore and develop local action on State Government to progress climate change local sustainability. • Build Victoria’s capacity to adapt to climate change and adjust to The Accord’s partner organisations are: carbon pricing • The Municipal Association of Victoria • Act to reduce our overall levels of (MAV) vulnerability to climate change

• The Victorian Local Governance The Victorian Local Sustainability Advisory Association (VLGA) Committee (VLSAC) provides an advisory • Local Government Professionals (LGPro) role to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change on statewide sustainability In late 2009, the Minister for Environment issues that affect local governments, and Climate Change and the Accord partner and provides high level oversight of organisations recommitted to the Accord, the Accord. The recently-developed recognising it as an important initiative that Victorian Local Sustainability Accord strengthens cooperative efforts between Delivery Framework 2010-2012 outlines the State and local governments for the the VLSAC’s approach and sets the environmental sustainability of Victoria. direction for the next phase of the Accord. The Framework can be downloaded from www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord.

2 | Victorian Local Sustainability Accord funding program

The Accord funding program seeks to: Through four previous rounds of funding, the Accord funding program has provided • Build capacity and provide resources $5 million to 58 local government for local governments to work with projects supporting a broad range of their communities and assist them to topics including biodiversity and land use enhance environmental sustainability management, climate change adaptation and adapt to climate change and mitigation, behaviour change, planning, • Support local governments to and environmental strategy development. showcase best practice, innovation and leadership on sustainability and For more information on the Accord and to climate change adaptation see examples of previously funded projects visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord • Support local governments to continue to work together and with other stakeholders to incorporate Victorian Local Sustainability sustainability and climate change into Accord round five applications the implementation of regional plans. close at 5pm, Tuesday 21 December 2010.

| 3 Accord funding program – round five

Through phase two of the Partnership Grants – fostering Accord more than $7 million innovation and collaboration is available for grants to local This is a competitive process for grants of governments. In round 5 three up to $250,000. These grants are designed to foster innovation and collaboration types of grants are available, between local governments to address each with a different focus and climate change and sustainability issues different eligibility requirements: of common concern.

Individual Grants – supporting Regional Grants – supporting resource-constrained, rural partnerships predominantly rural councils This is a competitive process for grants of This is a non-competitive process for up to $600,000. These grants are designed grants of up to $45,000. These grants to support regional groupings of non- are designed to support eligible councils metropolitan councils (and other relevant to implement activities identified in their organisations) to work with communities environment strategy (or other relevant to adapt to climate change (see list for council-endorsed documents) and build eligible councils – Appendix 1). their capacity to deliver sustainability outcomes and adapt to climate change Further details on each of these grants, (see list of eligible councils – Appendix 1). including the purpose, eligibility and assessment criteria are provided in the following sections. Applications must be lodged online; please visit the Accord website (www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord) for links and more information.

4 | Timeline and assessment process

Approximate timeline below: October-December Develop applications January-March Assessment and approval process March-April Announcement of successful grants

Assessment process

1. DSE’s Climate Change and 4. Projects are assessed by an Sustainability Services team provides interdepartmental evaluation panel advice to the applicant on project which provides advice to the VLSAC. design and development. 5. Projects endorsed by the VLSAC 2. Applications are submitted by councils are recommended to the Minister for by 5pm, 21st December 2010. Environment and Climate Change and Treasurer for approval. 3. Applications are assessed by DSE’s Climate Change and Sustainability 6. Successful projects are announced. Services team against criteria and eligibility requirements.

| 5 Individual Grants – for resource-constrained councils

Purpose 3. Projects must implement an initiative that is identified in an environmental To support individual, resource- strategy or other relevant council- constrained, predominantly rural councils endorsed document (e.g. council plan). to implement activities identified in their environment strategy (or other relevant 4. Each eligible council can only apply for council-endorsed documents) and build one Individual Grant. their capacity to deliver sustainability outcomes and adapt to climate change. 5. Councils must have completed an This grant type is non-competitive. environmental strategy or have a council commitment to complete an Available funding environmental strategy within the next Up to $45,000 (exclusive of GST). two years.

6. Projects must be designed to efficiently Project length and effectively deliver sustainability or Projects can be delivered for up climate change adaptation outcomes. to three years from the contract commencement date. 7. Applications must be signed off by the council Chief Executive Officer. Eligibility criteria 8. Projects must not have started. 1. Funding is only available to individual Accord signatory councils. 9. Projects must not be in receipt of any other State Government grant funding. 2. Funding is only available to resource- constrained rural and regional councils 10. Projects must be consistent with (listed at Appendix 1). national and state legislative requirements and government policies.

6 | 11. Projects may only be submitted through Assessment criteria one grant type in this funding round. This grant type is non-competitive which means that eligible councils will 12. Funding will not be provided for projects not be competing against each other that duplicate council services already for the available funding. All projects in operation (staff can be employed to that meet the eligibility criteria and the work on a specific project). terms and conditions will receive funding. 13. Projects must include a commitment to: There are no specific assessment criteria for Individual Grants, however a funding »» develop an evaluation framework contribution (cash or in-kind) from the at the beginning of the funding council is encouraged, as are projects period, and promoting capacity building within »» develop a communication and councils (for example, demonstrating knowledge transfer plan. active involvement from internal council staff). 14. Applicants must discuss their project with a DSE Climate Change and Please see Terms and Conditions page 13. Sustainability Services contact prior to submission.

Examples of projects that may be funded include:

• A comprehensive energy and • The development of a sustainable emissions audit of council housing strategy to guide the operational facilities future location, siting and nature of new housing developments in • A program that identifies and the municipality communicates climate change risks to the council • Sustainable living workshops for residents

| 7 Partnership Grants – fostering innovation and collaboration

Purpose To foster collaborative and innovative VLSAC priority issues partnerships between regional or Based on input from the Accord sectoral groupings of councils to address partners and extensive consultation climate change and sustainability issues with local governments across of common concern. This grant type Victoria, the VLSAC has identified five is competitive. key issues for priority action over the Grants will be available to partnerships next phase of the Accord. These five of eligible councils to address an issue priority issues are described in the that has been identified by VLSAC Victorian Local Sustainability Accord (see box right) or to identify and Delivery Framework 2010 -2012 and address another key issue facing local listed below: governments. The Accord partner • Planning issues organisations (MAV, VLGA and LGPro) can also be partners in these projects. • Building distributed energy and other systems Available funding • Sustainable local economies Up to $250,000 (exclusive of GST). • Social impacts of climate change

Project length • Managing carbon emissions Projects can be delivered for up to three years from the contract The Framework provides further commencement date. information on VLSAC’s priority issues and can be downloaded from www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord

8 | Eligibility criteria

1. The project must be led by an Accord 8. Projects may only be submitted through signatory council. one grant type in this funding round.

2. Projects must be a partnership of at 9. Funding will not be provided for least two councils (other organisations projects that duplicate council and the Accord partner organisations - services already in operation (staff MAV, VLGA, LGPro - can be additional can be employed to work on a partners in the project). specific project).

3. Projects must address sustainability or 10. Projects must include a commitment to: climate change issues that have been identified by multiple councils. »» develop an evaluation framework at the beginning of the funding 4. Applications must be signed off by the period; and Chief Executive Officer of the lead council and all other partners in the project. »» develop a communication and knowledge transfer plan. 5. Projects must not have started. 11. Applicants must discuss their project 6. Projects must not be in receipt of any with a DSE Climate Change and other State Government grant funding. Sustainability Services contact prior to submission 7. Project must be consistent with national and state legislative requirements and government policies.

| 9 Assessment criteria

Projects will be assessed on: 5. The extent to which the project builds capacity within councils (for example, 1. The demonstrated need for the project. demonstrating active involvement from internal council staff will be favoured). 2. How effectively and to what extent the proposed project addresses the 6. The project’s methodology and the identified sustainability or climate extent to which it will enable the change issue(s). applicant to deliver the project’s stated objectives. 3. To what extent the application demonstrates innovation or builds 7. The project governance to ensure an substantially on previous work. effective partnership and appropriate involvement of state agencies. 4. The cash or in-kind contributed amount from all partners compared against the Please see Terms and Conditions page 13. total project cost (a contribution from all partners is expected).

Examples of past projects the Accord has funded that fit into the category of Partnership Grants include:

• Accelerating Sustainable Building • Liveable and Just (visit http:// in the Local Government Sector www.vlga.org.au/Resources/ (visit http://www.rmit.edu.au/cfd/asb Liveable_Just_Toolkit.aspx for for more information) more information)

10 | Regional Grants – supporting regional partnerships

Purpose 2. Projects must be a partnership of regional councils within a Regional To support the implementation of Regional Management Forum (RMF) (listed at Strategic Plans by facilitating partnerships Appendix 1). Other organisations, of regional groups of rural councils, to including councils from an adjacent work with communities to adapt to climate RMF, can be additional partners in change. This grant type is competitive. the project. Projects funded under Regional Grants must address an issue that has been 3. Projects must address an issue that identified as part of the Regional Strategic has been identified in the Regional Planning process1. Strategic Planning process and must focus on working with communities to Available funding adapt to climate change. Up to $600,000 (exclusive of GST) (Note Terms and Conditions 2, p13) 4. Applications must be signed off by the Chief Executive Officer of the lead council and all other partners in Project length the project. Projects can be delivered for up to three years from the contract 5. Projects must not have started. commencement date. 6. Projects must not be in receipt of any Eligibility criteria other State Government grant funding.

1. The project must be led by an Accord 7. Projects must be consistent with signatory council. national and state legislative requirements and government policies.

1 Regional Strategic Plans aim to increase liveability, productivity and sustainability in regional Victoria. More information, including issues identified in the Regional Strategic Planning process, can be found athttp://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/ready-for- tomorrow/planning | 11 8. Projects may only be submitted through 2. To what extent the application one grant type in this funding round. demonstrates innovation or builds substantially on previous work. 9. Funding will not be provided for projects that duplicate council services already 3. The cash or in-kind contributed amount in operation (staff can be employed to from all partners compared against the work on a specific project). total project cost (a contribution from all partners is expected). 10. Projects must include a commitment to: 4. The extent to which the project builds »» develop an evaluation framework capacity within councils (for example, at the beginning of the funding projects which demonstrate active period; and involvement from internal council staff will be favoured). »» develop a communication and knowledge transfer plan. 5. The project’s methodology and the extent to which it will enable the 11. Applicants must discuss their project applicant to deliver the project’s with a DSE Climate Change and stated objectives. Sustainability Services contact prior to submission. 6. The project governance to ensure an Assessment criteria effective partnership and appropriate involvement of state agencies. Projects will be assessed on: 7. The level of participation from councils 1. How effectively and to what extent across their RMF in the project. the proposed project addresses the identified sustainability or climate Please see Terms and Conditions change issue(s). page 13.

An example of a Regional Grant is a project that implements the actions outlined in “Towards Environmental Sustainability in the South West” which is listed as a Strategic Goal in the Regional Strategic Plan for Great South Coast.

12 | Terms and Conditions

In addition to the eligibility and assessment criteria, the following terms and conditions apply to all grant types:

1. Before Accord grant funds can be 3. Proponents of successful projects allocated, each successful project will enter an agreement with DSE that applicant will be required to: will include:

»» enter into a funding agreement »» appropriate governance measures with DSE and meet all conditions such as a steering committee; specified and negotiated in the funding agreement (a draft »» milestones for development and template can be provided by your implementation of the project; regional DSE Climate Change and »» a schedule of payments, which will Sustainability Services contact upon be dependant on completion of request); and agreed milestones being met within »» secure funding for any financial specified timeframes; requirements beyond that provided »» project information and regular by the Accord funding program. reporting requirements;

2. Projects more than 2 years in duration »» assignment of intellectual property; and greater than $300,000 will be required to carry out a mid-stage review »» insurances, guarantees and to secure funding for a second stage. indemnity against any liability associated with the project – minimum public liability $10 million, minimum professional indemnity $2 million; and

»» information relating to OH&S requirements.

| 13 Submission and contacts and further information

Applications Applications must be submitted online. Forms that need to be attached Applications close 5pm Tuesday to the application (e.g. CEO approval and 21 December 2010. signature forms) can be downloaded from the Accord website. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Receipt of applications Visit the Accord website for links to the will be acknowledged via email within 24 application forms and more information hours of lodgement. If you do not receive www.dse.vic.gov.au/accord. a confirmation email within 24 hours please contact: Contacts and further information Rod Anderson Applicants must discuss their application Manager – Adaptable Communities, with their relevant regional DSE Climate Department of Sustainability and Change and Sustainability Services contact Environment prior to submission. They are available to 9296 4429 provide assistance with your application and in meeting the Accord’s requirements. Applications will only be considered where consultation with your regional DSE contact has occurred.

DSE OFFICER DSE OFFICE PHONE MOBILE EMAIL Andrew Straker Ballarat 5336 6716 0417 361 009 [email protected] Bronwyn Davies Box Hill 9296 4449 0427 686 163 [email protected] Louise Cramsie Box Hill 9296 4427 0409 230 639 [email protected] Patrick Shaw Colac 5235 7210 0428 365 301 [email protected] Robyn Rattray- Alexandra 5772 0266 0448 013 497 [email protected] Wood Tania Brooker Traralgon 5172 2147 0427 397 708 [email protected] Linda Duffy Bendigo 5430 4703 0457 823 280 [email protected]

14 | Appendix 1 – Eligibility

Councils eligible for Partnership Grants

Partnership grants are available to support collaborative and innovative partnerships between regional or sectoral groupings of councils to address climate change and sustainability issues of common concern. »» All accord signatory councils are eligible to apply for Partnership Grants

Councils eligible for Individual Grants Individual grants are available to support individual, resource-constrained, predominantly rural councils to implement activities identified in their environment strategy (or other relevant council-approved document) and build their capacity to deliver sustainability outcomes and adapt to climate change.

»» Mildura Rural City Council »» Southern Shire Council »» Cardinia Shire Council »» Mount Alexander Shire Council »» »» Northern Grampians Shire Council »» Wellington Shire Council »» * Council »» East Shire Council »» Central Goldfields Shire Council »» Nillumbik Shire Council »» Indigo Shire Council »» »» Buloke Shire Council »» Baw Baw Shire Council »» Murrindindi Shire Council »» Warrnambool City Council »» Benalla Rural City Council »» Macedon Ranges Shire Council »» Loddon Shire Council »» Swan Hill Rural City Council »» Strathbogie Shire Council »» Council »» Hepburn Shire Council »» Council »» Ararat Rural City Council »» Rural City of »» Council »» Council »» Gannawarra Shire Council »» Moira Shire Council »» Yarriambiack Shire Council »» Mitchell Shire Council »» Pyrenees Shire Council »» Moyne Shire Council »» West Wimmera Shire Council »» Colac Otway Shire Council »» Mansfield Shire Council »» Glenelg Shire Council »» Hindmarsh Shire Council »» Moorabool Shire Council »» *Towong Shire Council »» Corangamite Shire Council »» * »» Horsham Rural City Council

The resource-constrained councils listed above had less than $80 million in total expenses in the 2008-09 financial year. Councils that are not listed above must demonstrate that they are significantly resource-constrained in order to be considered for funding under this grant type. * Not currently Accord Signatories | 15 Appendix 1 – Eligibility continued.

Councils eligible for Regional Grants Regional Grants are available to support the implementation of Regional Strategic Plans by facilitating partnerships of regional groups of rural councils, to work with communities to adapt to climate change.

Barwon South Western Region »» Hepburn Shire Council »» Glenelg Shire Council »» Moorabool Shire Council »» South Grampians Shire Council Region »» Moyne Shire Council »» Greater Shepparton City Council »» Warrnambool City Council »» Moira Shire Council »» Corangamite Shire Council »» Benalla Rural City Council »» Colac Otway Shire Council »» Rural »» Surf Coast Shire Council »» Indigo Shire Council »» Greater City Council »» City of Wodonga »» Borough of Queenscliffe »» Towong Shire Council Gippsland Region »» Alpine Shire Council »» Bass Coast Shire Council »» Strathbogie Shire Council »» South Gippsland Shire Council »» Mitchell Shire Council »» Baw Baw Shire Council »» Murrindindi Shire Council »» La Trobe City Council »» Mansfield Shire Council »» Wellington Shire Council Loddon Region »» East Gippsland Shire Council »» Mildura Rural City Council Grampians Region »» Swan Hill Rural City Council »» West Wimmera Shire Council »» Buloke Shire Council »» Horsham Rural City Council »» Gannawarra Shire Council »» Hindmarsh Shire Council »» Loddon Shire Council »» Yarriambiack Shire Council »» Central Goldfields Shire Council »» Northern Grampians Shire Council »» Mount Alexander Shire Council »» Ararat Rural City Council »» Macedon Ranges Shire Council »» Pyrenees Shire Council »» Greater Bendigo City Council »» Golden Plains Shire Council »» Shire of Campaspe »» Ballarat City Council

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