Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants - Program Guidelines

www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrantsTOURISM INDUSTRY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (TIRF) GRANTSPROGRAM GUIDELINES2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE...... 3 2. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES...... 5 3. FUNDING...... 7 4. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS...... 9 5. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS...... 12 6. INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES...... 13 7. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA...... 14 8. ASSESSMENT PROCESS...... 16 9. FUNDING AGREEMENT...... 17 10. CONDITIONS OF FUNDING...... 18 11. APPLICATION PROCESS...... 21 12. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS – MENU...... 232012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 2 1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) was announced in June 2012 with funding of $48.5 million over four years to assist the industry in reaching Tourism 2020 growth targets. Two separate programs are being developed from this announcement – a competitive grants program to increase the quality and range of visitor experiences in regional Australia through tourism product investment and a labour and skills initiative.This document outlines the guidelines specifically for the TIRF Grants Program. The Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund has $42.9 million available for grants. Funding will be distributed in multiple rounds and individual grants may span up to three financial years. In the first year, 2012-13, $7.12 million is available to be committed and in 2013-14 a further $11.11 million is available. Funding commitments for the final two years of the program will be finalised after evaluation of the first round of the TIRF Grants Program.The purpose of the TIRF Grants Program is to encourage interstate and international tourism, increasing visitor numbers and expenditure in line with long term industry objectives. The TIRF Grants Program will offer funding amounts from $50,000 - $250,000 (GST exclusive) on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis. Funding will be available in two streams for projects to improve tourism infrastructure in regional areas and for innovative tourism projects. As the program supports regional tourism, eligible projects must be located in regions outside the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Tourism Regions as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.Applications close on Friday 14 December 2012. Successful applicants are expected to be announced in March 2013 (with unsuccessful applicants also advised at that time) and Funding Agreements implemented during April and May 2013. If some successful applicants do not accept the offer of funding, highly rated reserve list projects may be offered funding in their place. Consequently, some Funding Agreements may not be in place until July or August 2013. The first round of funding distribution is planned for May / June 2013 with projects required to be completed by March 2015.The assessment criteria for grants will include matching the funding to strategic projects which support Tourism 2020 (a joint industry-government strategy to increase Australia’s overnight visitor expenditure from $70 billion in 2011 to between $115 billion and up to $140 billion by 2020); the strategic and collaborative value of the project for its region; the expected innovation or improvement outcomes; and the capacity of the applicant to deliver the project within agreed timeframes. This funding program provides a unique opportunity for regional accommodation providers, regional tourism operators, attractions, related businesses and industry partners to access matched grant funding, aiming to achieve maximum return on investment both in dollars and quality visitor outcomes.These guidelines have been developed in consultation with an Industry Advisory Panel consisting of tourism industry representatives nominated by State and Territory Tourism Organisations. 2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 3 Other Tourism Programs During 2012-13, the Tourism Programs Branch of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (the Department) will continue to administer the T-QUAL Grants as well as the TIRF Grants Programs.T-QUAL Grants - Tourism Quality Projects (currently $15,000 - $100,000 GST exclusive) are available for smaller scale tourism industry development projects, particularly those with community benefits which stimulate private sector investment. Successful applicants for the 2012 grant round were announced in August 2012 and funding agreements are currently being negotiated. Applications are anticipated to be open again early in 2013 and information is available at www.ret.gov.au/T-QUAL. The T-QUAL Grants - Strategic Tourism Investment Grants (up to $1 million GST exclusive) allow a small number of larger scale projects to support Indigenous tourism, economic development and tourism employment. Implementation of projects announced in 2011-12 is underway. Further information on the timing and availability of these grants is available at www.ret.gov.au/tourism.The Department will continue to administer the national tourism accreditation framework, the T-QUAL Accreditation program. Businesses and operators will be considered T-QUAL accredited if they are a member of an accreditation, rating or certification program that has gained T-QUAL Accreditation. A full list of accredited programs is on the Department’s website at www.ret.gov.au/T-QUAL.Businesses and operators that wish to become accredited under the T-QUAL endorsed accreditation program should contact programs directly.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 4 2. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES To assist in meeting Tourism 2020 goals, Governments and industry are working together to implement a reform agenda for tourism in Australia.The objective of the TIRF Grants Program is to increase the quality and range of visitor experiences in regional Australia through tourism product investment. The expected outcomes are enhanced tourism quality and visitor experiences and increased visitation and expenditure in regional Australia - in line with Tourism 2020 growth projections and objectives around productivity, innovation and quality.Evaluation The success of the TIRF Grants Program will be measured in the longer term by increased visitation and revenue as reported by grant recipients after the projects are completed. Other measures, including employment, visitor satisfaction and overall increases in visitor numbers and expenditure recorded in the regions will be linked to the Program where possible. Quality improvements measured in additional star ratings or similar industry rankings will also be recorded as part of future evaluation processes.Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for projects will be agreed with each funding recipient. A ‘menu’ of measures will be identified in the application process and signed off as part of the funding agreement. This managed list will allow the Department to aggregate KPI outcomes in future years (as projects are completed).Reporting by grant recipients over the life of the project will be planned to measure project relevant KPI around economic, social, environmental and innovation changes and an agreed measure of quality improvement.Key Principles The TIRF Grants Program Guidelines have been developed from key principles established by Commonwealth Government grants funding and administration guidelines while ensuring alignment with Tourism 2020 priorities and strategic areas.The seven key principles for Commonwealth Government grants administration are:. Robust planning and design; efficient, effective, ethical with built in risk management processes . Outcomes orientation – maximise outcomes from available funding . Proportionality – scale, nature, complexity and risks . Collaboration and partnership – effective and constructive consultation and cooperation for effective, efficient and equitable processes . Governance and accountability – clear roles and responsibilities, defensible funding recipient selection and public accountability . Probity and transparency – internal controls, public sector values and duties . Achieving value with public money – careful consideration of costs, benefits, options and risks2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 5 Following the above principles, the TIRF Grants Program will deliver value in the expenditure of public money by: . Identifying potential risks to the program and implementing appropriate treatments - in both the program design and project administration phases . Only funding activities that take place after a Funding Agreement has been signed with successful applicants . Only funding projects that will use their own cash to at least match dollar for dollar and leverage the commitment sought from the Australian Government . Not funding activities that are seen as normal ‘costs of doing business’, relate to existing and/or ongoing staff or administrative costs that exceed 10% of the total budget . Only funding projects that are able to demonstrate in their application (and, if successful, in the Funding Agreement) that their project delivers outcomes that will add to or improve the quality and range of tourism infrastructure and products available in regional Australia. Tourism 2020 The six Tourism 2020 strategic areas are:. Grow demand from Asia . Build competitive digital capability . Encourage investment and implement regulatory reform . Ensure tourism transport environment supports growth . Increase supply of labour, skills and Indigenous participation . Build industry resilience, productivity and qualityFurther information on Tourism 2020 can be found at www.ret.gov.au/tourism2020. Implementation of Tourism 2020 strategies will deliver tangible benefits for Australian tourism businesses. The TIRF Grants Program will support industry in developing new products and services at a faster rate and to a higher standard than they otherwise would.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 6 3. FUNDING Project applications for this funding program will be assessed against the same criteria in two streams:. Improvement / upgrade of existing tourism product . The development of new innovative tourism productA major focus of this new funding will be improving the quality of accommodation in regional areas. Tourism Australia is developing a marketing and product improvement program aligned to the Fund. Some eligible applications for this stream may tie in to a ‘Great Australian Tourism Makeover’ element being established as a media and consumer campaign within the domestic market. Selected and willing grant recipients may be filmed in their refurbishment project as part of future television promotional programming.Improvement / Upgrade Projects An Improvement or Upgrade Project may include a refresh or refurbishment of an existing product or service which attracts a new or returning market.Successful applicants will need to demonstrate the strategic value of their project for their region, how it fits with one or more of the Tourism 2020 strategic areas and how it will result in higher visitation and customer satisfaction. As a guide only, examples of Improvement Projects may include (but are not limited to): . Accommodation upgrades with project funding spent on items such as fixed room fittings to improve the quality and accessibility by a target market [for venue upgrades, up to 50% of the applicant’s matched cash component (25% of grant / matching cash combined) to a limit of $50,000 may be spent on new non-fixed fittings with a quality improvement focus] . Upgrades of attraction or accommodation facilities with project funding spent on items such as amenities blocks or activity areas which will enhance visitor experiences or attract new markets . Implementation of market-specific training packages or workforce development to enhance visitor experiences . Use of external experts such as historians, interior designers, landscape architects or similar to add a layer of interpretation or sophistication . Infrastructure or access solutions which protect or enhance the asset or environment or allow increased visitation . Improving supply chain linkages i.e. aligning and building networks and industry capacity . Adding or enhancing Indigenous products or experiences . Restoration or conversion of historical products or experiencesInnovative New Projects Innovative projects are expected to attract and extend the stays of visitors from new markets or returning visitors to a tourism precinct, event or attraction due to their unique offering, process or benefit and high strategic value. This funding is an opportunity for tourism operators and partners to increase the scope of visitor experiences.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 7 As a guide only, examples of Innovative Projects may include (but are not limited to):. Indigenous cultural products and experiences . Implementation of new technology to improve the tourism experience e.g. Smartphone self guided tours in multiple languages . Online booking presence to achieve a greater presence in the supply chain (NOT marketing) . Niche / local activity product development such as themed cycling / walking / riding / driving trails or similar . Feasibility studies e.g. of new tourism products and/or services . Specific themed infrastructure to attract a key or new market . Unique exhibitions, attractions, festival, event or interactive experiences . Niche market product development such as nature based or agri-tourism . Adding new style of accommodation or attraction to existing stock for specific market requirement . Value adding to existing experiences with additional activities e.g. high quality interpretative or interactive signage or guided tours (particular in languages other than English) . Implementation of technical skills or service training programs to enhance visitor experiences . Development of ‘soft’ tourism infrastructure such as tourism networks and Destination Management Plans . Infrastructure or access solutions such as hard stand coach parking (or similar fixed amenity) on private land to encourage new markets such as groups or coach toursPlease note the grant contribution and its matched cash may only be spent on eligible activities within the project however the total cost of the project may be higher.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 8 4. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS To be eligible the applicant must be: . registered for GST and . one of o a corporation registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth), including a trustee corporation registered under either Act or o an incorporated association registered under a State or Territory Act; or o a local government body corporate or body politic or o a consortium led by a corporation registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) or the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) or o a government business enterprise.In each case the purpose of the requested grant must be to encourage interstate and/or international tourism. Where the applicant is a Government Business Enterprise, 51% or more of its revenue must be derived from non-government sources.An application may be made by a consortium of corporate partners provided the lead entity satisfies the above conditions. A corporate trustee that satisfies the above conditions may apply on behalf of a trust.Please note: Individuals and Partnerships are not eligible to apply.There is no discretion for eligible applicant criteria to be varied or waived.The following table is provided to assist potential applicants to determine whether the entity is eligible and the evidence that will need to accompany the Application Form as an Attachment.Evidence required (include as an Type Characteristics Attachment to application) . Private Sector . Company that is . Certificate of company Corporation or registered with ASIC registration with ASIC Proprietary Limited . Registered for GST . ABN and GST status Company . Aboriginal and . Registered under the . Evidence of Registration Torres Strait Corporations (Aboriginal under the Corporations Islander corporation and Torres Strait (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 Islander) Act 2006 . Registered for GST . ABN and GST status2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 9 Evidence required (include as an Type Characteristics Attachment to application) . Incorporated . Incorporated / registered . Certificate of incorporation Association with relevant State / . ABN and GST status Territory body . Copy of AGM Minutes . Must have a constitution or set of rules for operating . Registered for GST . Local government . Legal entity controlled by . Copy of relevant State body corporate/body local government legislation (e.g. Local politic . Registered for GST Government Act) containing a declaration / proclamation that sets up the local government body, describes what they will do and names them . ABN and GST status . Corporate Trustee . Company that is . Certificate of company on behalf of trust registered with ASIC registration with ASIC . Authorised to hold or . ABN and GST status, and administer funds or . Letter from solicitor or property for the benefit of accountant confirming the others relationship with the trust and . Registered for GST that the trustee has the authority to enter legal agreements . Non-profit . Company that is . Certificate of company corporation registered with ASIC registration with ASIC . Non-profit . ABN and GST status . Registered for GST . Regional tourism or . Incorporated / registered . Certificate of incorporation economic with relevant State / . Certificate of company development Territory body registration with ASIC corporation . Company that is . ABN and GST status registered with ASIC . Copy of AGM Minutes . Established to undertake regional tourism or economic development activities . Registered for GST . A Government . Legal entity controlled by . Copy of relevant legislation Business Enterprise State or Territory establishing the GBE (where 51% or more government . Financial statements showing of revenue is . Has a commercial focus the sources of revenue for the derived from non- to its operations entity government . Registered for GST . ABN and GST status sources)2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 10 Evidence required (include as an Type Characteristics Attachment to application) . Corporate national . Incorporated / registered . Certificate of incorporation peak or sectoral with relevant State / . Certificate of company tourism association Territory body registration with ASIC . Company that is . Constitution registered with ASIC . Membership List . Membership based . ABN and GST status organisation established to represent national tourism or sectoral tourism interests . Registered for GST . Consortium . Led by one of the . Lead entity must be one of Applicant Types listed the above eligible entity types . Registered for GST and provide the relevant . Group of organisations evidence listed above to be and individuals that agree eligible to apply for a TIRF to work together towards Grant. a common goal2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 11 5. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS To be eligible, a project: . must be located in regions outside the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane Tourism Regions as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics1 . applicant must be able to match the grant with their own cash or funding noting ‘in-kind’ support is not eligible ‘matching funding’ . must fall within one of the following two streams o Improvement / upgrade of existing tourism product o The development of new innovative tourism product . must not be an ineligible activity for the purposes of Section 6belowThere is no discretion for eligible project criteria to be varied or waived.T-QUAL Accreditation T-QUAL accreditation is not currently a mandatory requirement for applicants to the Program. Applicants that are accredited will be preferred in the assessment process, all other things being equal. Applicants will be expected to seek quality accreditation during the life of the project.Further information on T-QUAL accreditation may be found at www.ret.gov.au/t-qual. 1 http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/DetailsPage/9503.0.55.0012012?OpenDocument2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 12 6. INELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES There are a number of ineligible items and activities for which both the TIRF Grants funding and the matching cash cannot be applied for or used. Please take care to ensure ineligible activities are not included in any application. Funding cannot be used to:. Undertake any kinds of marketing, advertising or product promotion including but not limited to - brand strategies/development, marketing strategies, television shows, videos, photographs, brochure production or the conversion of marketing or promotional print material to online material . Construct, maintain or upgrade public transport infrastructure such as roads, airports, railways, ferry terminals . Undertake activities which would reasonably be seen as regular repairs and maintenance . Upgrade or develop meeting and/or local community facilities—including picnic or playground areas, local parks, barbeques, meeting facilities and regional and town entry features . Buy non-fixed capital equipment such as furniture or fittings, vehicles, boats, computers, machinery or other removable, transportable or transferable equipment. However, for venue upgrades, up to 50% of the applicant’s matched cash component (25% of grant/cash combined) to a limit of $50,000 may be spent on new non-fixed fittings with a quality improvement focus . Buy or lease real estate of any type . Engage or pay permanent employees . Pay temporary or casual staff or consultants who cannot be clearly shown as critical to the project . Pay for work undertaken on the project before the funding agreement with the Commonwealth is executed . Provide allowances for project ‘contingencies’ in the budget . Raise capital funds, provide fund investment, or fund/undertake venture capital activities . Duplicate or overlap any other Commonwealth, State or Territory grant program funding . Attend conferences or seminars or fund overseas travel . Cover any other activities which are not directly related to the project . Start up a business or undertake activities specifically associated with starting up a business—such as business registrations or incorporation costs . Upgrade or develop centres or facilities that are primarily concerned with providing visitor information services . Cover administrative or running costs that are normally the applicant's responsibility— for example, insurance, rent, standard office equipment, telephone costs and consumables.To encourage applications focusing on improving or upgrading products or product innovation, it is recommended no more than 10% of the grant / cash combined be allocated for any project administration (including eligible launch event costs).2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 13 7. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA TIRF Grant Applications will be assessed against these criteria and guidance will be provided to applicants in the application form on the key elements required in their response. All criteria will have equal weighting in the assessment process. CRITERIA WHAT THIS WILL SHOW? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? EVIDENCE MAY INCLUDE WEIGHTING Alignment with . How this supply side project fits into a . How this project will contribute to . Economic benefits / outcomes industry long term strategy e.g. industry industry transformation at a national . Demonstrated alignment with relevant local, priorities and sustainability, growth and/or one of or regional level state and national plans, policies and strategies more of the six Tourism 2020 strategic . How the grant will achieve outcomes strategies areas such as building competitive which would not otherwise happen . Plans for the sustainability of the project and 25% digital capability or increase supply of activities labour, skills and indigenous participation or build industry resilience, productivity and quality Capacity to . How the business is ready to . Probability of success of project . Business.gov.au printout of ABN, GST deliver the implement this project if successful outcomes with low risk to the . Where project fits in business plan project . The business case for this project Department in granting and . Financials showing viability administering funding . What other similar projects the team has delivered 25% . Systems, resources and processes available . Budgets . Timelines and/or Project Plan Improvement or . What interstate, international and other . How this project will increase . Market research, data Innovation target markets this will attract – the visitation and spend . Outcomes expected and how measured tourism drivers – what gaps in the . Interstate, international and other market market it fills share breakdowns and improvements 25% . Why it is QUALITY focused . Why it is a point of difference or unique selling proposition Strategic and . How this project aligns in the region . Value for money and synergies . How needs have been identified 25% collaborative and matches visitor needs achieved . Evidence of industry and regional value (for the . How the quality improvement or partnerships and collaboration e.g. letters of region) innovation will contribute to the support from RTO, STO, membership of 2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 14 CRITERIA WHAT THIS WILL SHOW? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? EVIDENCE MAY INCLUDE WEIGHTING attractiveness of the region associations etc2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 15 Eligible applicants should demonstrate how the project is market responsive, improves the attractiveness of the destination, ‘fits’ with the region’s tourism experience and will meet long term industry objectives. Successful grant recipients will be expected to be already working closely with regional industry partners, tourism organisations and local authorities, especially where a development approval is anticipated.It is important to note this is a highly competitive, merit-based grants program and meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee that an offer of funding will be made.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 16 8. ASSESSMENT PROCESS Applications for grant funding will be rigorously assessed against the criteria to ensure public accountability and maximise program outcomes.Applications received in accordance with the published deadline will undergo an initial eligibility review conducted by Grants Administration staff in the Tourism Programs Branch of the Department. This review will ensure applications have been completed in full, signed and meet the eligibility requirements. Any ineligible applications will be removed from the application process at this time. The Department will advise those applicants as soon as practicable that their application is ineligible.All eligible applications will be assessed against the assessment criteria set out in these guidelines. The criteria will be equally weighted and there is no discretion for criteria from the approved guidelines to be waived or amended during the assessment and / or decision making process. Detailed advice will be provided to any appointed assessment panel. All applications will be assessed by a minimum of two assessors who have completed appropriate project assessment training. Assessors may include officers from the Department, Tourism Australia, State and Territory Tourism Organisations and industry representatives. Assessments will be subject to moderation by senior Departmental assessors to ensure consistency in the assessment process.The Department can seek technical and financial advice from external experts, Commonwealth agencies, and officers from State and Territory Tourism Organisations as appropriate.All individuals involved in the assessment process (Departmental and external) will be required to complete conflict-of-interest declarations and detailed project specific declarations and cannot access information or assess projects where a conflict of interest exists.The Assessment Panel will assess and rank applications against the criteria, and make recommendations to the Department. Applications will be ranked based on a sum of scores across all criteria. The Department will brief the Program Delegate, as delegated by the Minister, on the recommendations for Program grants. The Program Delegate will make the final decision as to which applicants receive funding under the Program, including the amount of any such funding, taking into account the Assessment Panel’s recommendations, as well as other relevant information, such as the matters relevant to the approval of the expenditure of public monies and the commitment of Program funds in current and future financial years.All applications will be compiled and assessed with a funding mark cut-off determined by available funds. A ‘reserve’ list will be established to be offered funding where successful applicants do not take up the offered grant.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 17 9. FUNDING AGREEMENT Successful applicants will be required to enter into a legally binding funding agreement with the Commonwealth. This agreement will set out: . The rights and obligations of the Commonwealth and the grantee . The agreed work plan, timetable for completion, and the budget for the project . A requirement that, as a precondition to any works commencing, the grantee has obtained independent certification of their risk management plan and conducted community consultations where a proposal may affect the local community . Staged payments that will be made following the successful completion of milestones . How funds are to be acquitted . Reporting and accountability obligations . Requirements for recognising Australian Government support through project events and on advertising material and other documentation2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 18 10. CONDITIONS OF FUNDINGMatching Funding Applicants must be able to match the grant funding with their own cash or funding. The work plan, timetable and budget will cover both the TIRF Grant funds and matching contributions. In-kind contributions may be taken into account in the assessment process but will not be counted as part of the matching cash contribution. Other Commonwealth grants funding cannot be used as the matching cash contribution. A successful applicant must not commence work on project activities that are to be funded by the TIRF Grant or matching cash components before a Funding Agreement is executed with the Commonwealth. Applicants are advised to seek professional advice on the taxation impacts on their business or organisation from funding from this program.Milestones and reporting must be completed before grant instalments will be paid.Bank Account Successful applicants are expected to have a discrete bank account with a financial institution authorised under the Banking Act 1959 into which the TIRF Grant Program funding and matching funding are to be deposited. This account must not be used for any other project.Insurance Successful applicants must have public liability insurance and meet other agreed conditions as required for the period of the grant. Community Consultation Evidence of planning for community consultation and risk management over the life of the project may be required.Approvals Before any TIRF Grant funds are paid, successful applicants must provide evidence that they have all necessary planning approvals for their project, including local government planning approvals and where relevant, the permission of the landowner or land manager.Publicity Applicants should be aware that if they are successful, Commonwealth policy requires the Department to publish information on its website concerning the successful applicant, including but not limited to:. The name of the entity receiving the grant . The amount of funding received . A brief description of the project . The duration of the funding and . The location of the funded project2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 19 By submitting an application for funding under this grant program, the applicant consents to publication of the above information by the Department if they are awarded funding under this grant program.Other individual publicity based arrangements may be made with grant recipients on a case by case basis, for example to record their project application and outcomes as case studies to provide information and support to future grant applicants or to report on measured outcomes. The ‘Great Australian Tourism Makeover’ program may also utilise agreed information.Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information The Department is committed to the secure protection of confidential commercial and personal information in its possession. The Public Service Act 1999, the Public Service Regulations, the Privacy Act 1988, the Crimes Act 1914, the Criminal Code and the common law all contain provisions which stand to penalise any Departmental employee found, with few exceptions, to have disclosed confidential information. However, applicants need to be aware that the Department can be compelled to disclose confidential information in certain limited circumstances. These include applications under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, although such information would not be disclosed unless prior consultation has occurred with affected parties.The Department uses and discloses the information provided in TIRF Grant applications in line with this guide only for the purpose of determining eligibility for funding and calculating the amount of funding (if any) to be offered. The Department may also use the information received in an application in other legitimate Departmental business, such as for reporting on grants made and in statistical reporting. As already noted, the information provided in applications is treated confidentially. However, the identity of successful applicants, the broad details of the project and the amount of the grant will be disclosed publicly in the promotion of the TIRF Grants Program and for government purposes such as reporting to the Ministers, the Auditor-General or the Australian Parliament, including Parliamentary committees, as requested. Disclosure of such information may also be required for audit and law enforcement purposes. The Department may also disclose information with the consent of an applicant, or where it is required or permitted by law to do so.Information, de-identified where possible, may also be provided to other Commonwealth Departments, government organisations, assessors, Members of Parliament, the media and other stakeholders for the purposes of assessment, education or publicising the projects or the Program.Conflict of Interest All Departmental staff involved in the implementation, administration and assessment of applications as part of the TIRF Grants Program will complete Conflict of Interest Declarations in relation to the Program. Public interest and integrity will be paramount in this process. Where an actual or perceived conflict of interest is identified the TIRF Program Manager will be informed to assist in resolving the matter. All such decisions and any mitigating actions will be recorded. Potential conflicts of interest for applicants will be managed through implementation of standardised grants administration processes. For example, details of calls to the Tourism Grants Information Line will be recorded and standard scripts will be used in the provision of information to potential applicants to ensure that there is no advantage provided. During the assessment process due diligence will also be conducted for eligible applicants. 2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 20 Other Conditions Not all terms and conditions for TIRF Grant funding are set out in these guidelines. A draft funding agreement is available on the website www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants and provides a comprehensive account of a successful applicant’s obligations. Applicants are advised to seek independent legal advice before entering into a funding agreement. 2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 21 11. APPLICATION PROCESS The TIRF Grants Program will be promoted across regional Australia in October and November 2012 to attract applications from quality focused projects which will benefit from additional funding. The application process is intended to ensure every successful applicant clearly understands the scope of any funding arrangements they will be entering into with the Commonwealth. The application process will require an investment of a proportionate amount of time and effort to apply for the funding with information required paired to key elements in a risk management approach. A TIRF Grants Application Form has been developed for funding applicants requiring detailed responses to questions regarding eligibility, selection criteria and expected outcomes of the proposed project. Applicants will submit the completed Application Form by the published deadline along with required documentary evidence (as Attachments) in hard copy format which will then be checked and assessed. The Application Form can be downloaded from www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants.Key Dates and Contacts Potential applicants can telephone the Tourism Grants Information Line on 02 6243 7604 between 9am and 5pm AEST or email questions to [email protected] from the launch of the Program until Friday 14 December 2012. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be regularly updated on the website www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants. The Department will respond to queries as soon as possible.Applications must be received by post or courier by 5pm AEST on Friday 14 December 2012. Late applications will not be considered. Delegation The Minister for Tourism has delegated decision making power in respect of the TIRF Grants Program to a senior officer in the Department, the Program Delegate.After the assessment process is completed, the Department will make recommendations on funding. The Program Delegate will make final decisions on funding taking into account the Department’s recommendations, available program funding, and the program objectives for the TIRF Grants Program.Advice of Funding Outcomes The Minister for Tourism will announce the successful applicants. All applicants will be advised in writing whether their application is successful or unsuccessful at the time of this announcement, some months after applications close. The opportunity to receive feedback will be offered to unsuccessful applicants. Please note that no legal binding relationship exists until a Funding Agreement has been agreed and signed by both the Commonwealth and the successful applicant. Information on successful applicants will also be published on the program website www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 22 Complaints Handling Process The Department’s Service Charter can be found at http://www.ret.gov.au/Department/about/sc/Pages/default.aspx. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the way in which an application is handled by the Department they should put their case in writing to the General Manager Tourism Programs Branch, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, GPO Box 1564, Canberra ACT 2601 who will arrange for the matter to be independently reviewed. If an applicant is dissatisfied with the way in which their complaint has been handled by the Department, they may wish to complain to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will usually decline to investigate a complaint unless the matter has first been dealt with by the Department. The Commonwealth Ombudsman can be contacted on: Phone (Toll free): 1300 362 072 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ombudsman.gov.auFurther Information Advice about the program and eligibility criteria is available on the Department’s website www.ret.gov.au/tirfgrants. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their application with their State or Territory Tourism Organisation or Regional Tourism Organisation contact. Details of any information and awareness sessions which may be held in key locations around Australia will also be found on the website. Please note: to be fair to all applicants, Departmental officers are not permitted to provide comments on individual projects prior to, during or after the application stage until the successful applicants have been announced.No Contract Nothing in these Program Guidelines, or the submission of any application in response to it, or any conduct or statement whether before or after the issue of these Program Guidelines constitutes a contract, express or implied, with the Department. The Department intends that no contract will be formed unless and until the Department signs a formal Funding Agreement with a successful applicant.2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 23 12. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS—MENUKey Performance Indicators (KPI) will be included in all Funding Agreements. Each Funding Agreement will include at least three project-relevant KPI selected from the following menu (as agreed to by the Department and funding recipients):Measure KPI Required information (select as applicable) Economic 1(a) REVPAR . Revenue per available room as at Application Date 1(b) Occupancy (as reported . Revenue per available by grant recipient) room at Milestone Dates and % change . Revenue per available room at Completion of Project Final Report and % change . Occupancy rates at Application date, Milestone Dates and Final Report 2(a) Visitation (as reported by . Day and / or Overnight grant recipient) Visitors and Average Spend per week as at Application 2(b) Average spend Date . Origin of visitors – e.g. interstate and international and growth recorded . Day and/or Overnight Visitors and Average Spend per week at Milestone Dates and % change . Day and/or Overnight Visitors and Average Spend per week at Completion of Project Final Report and % Change . Length of stay2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 24 Measure KPI Required information (select as applicable) 3 Employment (as reported by . Number of full time grant recipient) equivalent staff and breakdown of permanent, casual and contract staff at Application Date . Change and % Change over Milestone Dates . Change and % Change at Completion of Project Final Report . Changes in Indigenous Employment Social 4 Measure of Community and . Demonstrated change in Visitor Satisfaction at time of customer surveys – origin Application: of customers, comments . Current market mix (e.g. . Changes in market mix interstate, international . Letters of support from breakdown) industry partners at . Visitor books or comments milestone reports and end . Letters of support from of project reporting industry partners . Evidence of new collaboration Innovation 5 Number of projects which . Identification of have a technological or ‘technological element’ innovation element project at time of application and as a percentage across total . Evaluation of outcomes e.g. growth of online bookings, number of downloads of Apps or similar . How new technology or innovation assisted in quality and / or improved business outcomes . Departmental Measurement – Increase in Range of Products and Services Environmental 6 Identification of . Identification of costs and environmental elements across usage at time of application project with identified objectives compared with Milestone and / or best practice and Final Reporting o Energy savings o Water savings o Waste savings o Other2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 25 Measure KPI Required information (select as applicable) Quality Improvement 7 Record of industry quality . Percentage change in measurement e.g. T-QUAL or accreditation across other Quality accreditation, projects AAA Star Rating . Increase in star ratings across projects . Satisfaction levels improvement . Other e.g. Awards, Commendations, Ratings on Travel Advisor or similar Regional Reporting 8 Snapshot of TRA reporting . Changes in total visitor for the region at time of numbers and market mix application across the region with updates from TRA reporting over life of project and at Final Report Other As identified, subject to project . As agreed parameters2012 TIRF Grants Program Guidelines 26

Tourism Industry Regional Development Fund (TIRF) Grants - Program Guidelines

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