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20 Million Trees ProgrammeGrant GuidelinesRound One 2014–15

© Commonwealth of Australia, 2014.

The 20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines—Round One 2014–15 is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people. For licence conditions see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/.

This document should be attributed as ‘20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines—Round One 2014–15, Commonwealth of Australia 2014’.

The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by third parties using the following format ‘© Copyright, [name of third party]’.

Images: Forest landscape of the Rocky Hills (Nick Rains), sand dune revegetation, Leighton Beach, WA (Tony McDonough), tree planting in the Lane Cove National Park, NSW (John Baker)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

These grant guidelines (Guidelines) are for organisations and individuals seeking to undertake a revegetation project (Project) supported by the 20 Million Trees Programme (Programme).

There will be a separate process for organisations seeking to be engaged as a national service provider (organisations engaged by the Australian Government to coordinate and deliver large-scale revegetation projects for the Programme). For information about this stream of the Programme visit: www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees.

http://www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

iii20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

Table of ContentsPart 1: Introduction 1

1.1 Overview of the 20 Million Trees Programme .....................................................................................................................1

1.2 Delivery of the Programme ........................................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Grant funding available in Round One ...................................................................................................................................2

1.4 Programme Objectives ................................................................................................................................................................3

Part 2: Eligibility Criteria and Declarations 62.1 Applicant eligibility ........................................................................................................................................................................6

2.2 Applicant declarations .................................................................................................................................................................6

2.3 Project eligibility .............................................................................................................................................................................7

2.4 Eligible activities ..............................................................................................................................................................................7

2.5 Activities that may be funded through other funding sources .....................................................................................8

2.6 Activities that will not be funded through the Programme ............................................................................................8

Part 3: Guidance for designing Projects 93.1 What species should I plant? .....................................................................................................................................................9

3.2 Where can I carry out a Project? ................................................................................................................................................9

3.3 What information should I use to develop my Project? ....................................................................................................9

3.4 How do I count trees to be established through my Project? ........................................................................................9

3.5 How long do the plantings need to remain for? ..............................................................................................................10

3.6 Do I need to account for tree survival? ................................................................................................................................10

3.7 Can my Project receive recognition under the Emissions Reduction Fund or the Carbon Farming Initiative? ........................................................................................................................................................11

Part 4: What is required of Applicants? 124.1 Project planning and management .......................................................................................................................................12

4.2 Project Site preparation and maintenance ..........................................................................................................................12

4.3 Risk management .........................................................................................................................................................................12

Part 5: Application and Assessment Process 145.1 How to apply .................................................................................................................................................................................14

5.2 Late Applications .........................................................................................................................................................................14

5.3 Assessment Criteria .....................................................................................................................................................................15

5.4 Assessment Process .....................................................................................................................................................................17

Part 6: Funding Agreement requirements 18

Part 7: Monitoring and reporting 207.1 Project monitoring and reporting .........................................................................................................................................20

7.2 Programme monitoring and reporting ................................................................................................................................20

7.3 How will Projects be acquitted? .............................................................................................................................................20

7.4 Evaluation of the Programme ..................................................................................................................................................20

iv 20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

Part 8: Rights and responsibilities 218.1 Applicants .......................................................................................................................................................................................21

8.2 The Australian Government’s rights ......................................................................................................................................21

8.3 Confidentiality and privacy .......................................................................................................................................................22

Part 9: Enquiries and complaints 23

Part 10: Contact details 23

Part 11: Useful references 24

Part 12: Glossary 26

v20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions apply throughout this document.

Applicant An entity who is applying under the Programme and who may enter into a formal Funding Agreement with the Department if their Application is successful.

Application An application for funding under of Round One of the Programme—Stream 1.

Application Form The Programme grant funding application form, available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

Assessment Criteria The assessment criteria to be used to assess Applications as described in Section 5.3 of these Guidelines.

Assessment Process The process that will be used to assess Applications as described in Section 5.4 of these Guidelines.

Closing Time The Closing Time for Applications as outlined in Section 5.1 of the Guidelines.

Department The Department of the Environment or any other agency that administers the Programme from time to time.

Eligibility Criteria The criteria that an Applicant, and a Project must meet in order to be eligible for funding under the Programme, as described in Section 2.1 of these Guidelines.

Funding Agreement A legally enforceable, performance-based contract between the Department and the successful Applicant that sets out the terms and conditions governing the funding to be provided under the Programme.

Guidelines The 20 Million Trees Programme—Grant Guidelines: Round One 2014–15 (this document).

Minister The Minister responsible for the Australian Government Department which administers the Programme from time to time, currently the Minister for the Environment.

Programme The 20 Million Trees Programme.

Programme Objectives The strategic objectives of the Programme as defined in Section 1.4 of these Guidelines.

Project A project which satisfies the Eligibility Criteria in Section 2.3 of these Guidelines.

Project Activities The Activities that Applicants propose to undertake to address one or more of the Programme Objectives.

Project Outcomes The outcomes that a Project proposes to deliver.

Project Site The location/area where Project Activities will take place. A Project may have multiple Project Sites.

Round One This Round One of the 20 Million Trees Programme—Stream 1, as described in these Guidelines.

KEY DATES

Anticipated timeframes for Round One of the Programme:

Programme Round

Applications open Applications close Application assessment period

Project announcements

Projects must commence and be completed between

Round One 2 October 2014 2.00 pm AEDT 30 October 2014

November 2014 December 2014 January 2014 – June 2017


vi 20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

KEY DOCUMENTS

The following documents are available at the website (www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees) to help you prepare your Application for funding under the Programme:

• 20 Million Trees Programme—Grant Guidelines : Round One 2014–15 (this document)

• 20 Million Trees Application Form

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION

Step 1: Read these Guidelines and any other relevant information made available on the Department’s website (www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees).

Step 2: Complete the online Application Form available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees. A hard copy Application Form can be requested by calling the 20 Million Trees information line on 1800 552 008. Electronic applications are preferred.

Step 3: Submit your Application to the Department before 2.00 pm AEDT on 30 October 2014 and keep a copy for your records. Applications received after this time will be registered as ‘late’.

Additional information provided by the Applicant but not requested in the Application Form will not be assessed. Options for submitting your completed Application:

Online via the online Application Form (preferred) www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

Post your hard copy application to:

20 Million Trees Programme Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601

Courier deliveries to:

20 Million Trees Programme Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment Reception, John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace PARKES ACT 2600

More information about submitting your Application is at Section 5.1 of these Guidelines.

Photo: Tree plantings along creek near Orbost (John Baker)





120 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

Part 1: Introduction

1.1 Overview of the 20 Million Trees Programme

The Australian Government has committed to working with the community to plant 20 million trees by 2020 to re-establish green corridors and urban forests. This initiative will deliver real environmental benefits at the local level through community participation in re-establishing native vegetation, providing habitat to support our threatened species and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. These in turn will help to create greener spaces to improve the liveability of our cities and towns.

The Australian Government has committed $50 million over four years toward delivery of the Programme.

Australia’s unique and diverse environment contributes to our identity as a nation. The Programme will support our natural environment by re-establishing native vegetation that is locally appropriate and contributes toward cleaner air and land, and healthier, more resilient landscapes. Improving the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation will support our native species, in particular threatened species.

The Programme is an important part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, comprising of a national stream and a regional stream. The 20 Million Trees Programme is part of the national stream, and will complement and align with other Australian Government environmental initiatives, such as the Green Army and establishment of the Threatened Species Commissioner. Trees established through the Programme will provide vital habitat for nationally listed threatened species. It will also have a real impact on the liveability of our cities and towns. As our cities grow, we have a responsibility to ensure present and future generations have access to local bushland and other green spaces. These green spaces provide opportunities for recreation and create communities that are connected with the local environment. Trees reduce local air temperatures and combat the urban heat island effect leading to lower energy usage and reduced air pollution.

Round One of the Programme’s grants component is available nationally. Through the Programme more broadly, the Australian Government has also committed to greening the west of Melbourne, and improving the Cumberland Conservation Corridor in Greater Western Sydney. In these two highly populated and rapidly growing areas, the Programme will help to re-establish green corridors and urban forests within environments facing considerable urban development pressures.

Recognising that best practice knowledge exists within communities, the Programme will support Projects that build on and expand community knowledge through collaboration between established organisations and those building their experience.

Under Round One of the Programme, a wide range of groups, organisations and individuals in the community are encouraged to apply. This may include community groups, schools, landholders and land managers that intend to plant trees in a range of urban, peri-urban and regional environments across Australia. Tree plantings may occur on public or private land.

Funding recipients under the Programme will be responsible for carrying out site preparation, planting and ongoing site maintenance. They will also be responsible for ensuring community support for the Project, including gaining the support of landholders, complying with any relevant local regulations, such as fire management, and ensuring a high standard of Project risk management.

2 20 Million Trees Programme Grant Guidelines Round One 2014–15

1.2 Delivery of the Programme The Programme is administered by the Department and will be implemented through two streams.

• Stream 1 will provide grant funding to groups and individuals to carry out tree planting Projects that improve the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation. Applications will be accepted from eligible groups, individuals and organisations.

• Stream 2 will involve larger-scale revegetation through one or more service providers contracted by the Australian Government. Monitor the Department’s website at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees for information on opportunities to be involved in this stream of the Programme.

These Guidelines are for Round One of the Programme’s grants component (Stream 1) only.

These Guidelines provide information to help potential Applicants prepare and lodge an Application for grant funding under Stream 1. This information includes the Programme Objectives, Eligibility and Assessment Criteria and the process used to assess and approve Projects.

The Department will assess Applications, with those best meeting the Assessment Criteria recommended to the Minister for funding (see Part 5 for more details on this process). The Minister may select strategic or exceptional projects from outside the competitive funding round described in these Guidelines, provided such projects meet the Programme Objectives.

Successful Applicants will be contacted by the Department and offered funding under the terms of a formal Funding Agreement. The Funding Agreement will cover roles and responsibilities of each party, payment milestones and reporting requirements (see Part 6 for more information). The successful Applicant will be responsible for managing and delivering the Project, including reporting progress to the Department.

Please check the Department’s website (www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees) for information on future funding rounds under the Programme.

1.3 Grant funding available in Round One

Through Round One of the Programme, up to $3.4 million will be available over three years. The Department may run subsequent rounds at its discretion, depending on timing and availability of funds.

2014–15 2015–16 2016–17

Anticipated funding available for Round One

$2 million $0.8 million $0.6 million

A further amount of up to $5 million over three years will be available to deliver the Australian Government election commitment to green the west of Melbourne. The timing of discretionary grant processes for election commitments may coincide with Round One.

An additional amount of up to $5 million will be available to deliver the Australian Government election commitment to improve the Cumberland Conservation Corridor in Greater Western Sydney.

If you have a Project proposal in these areas which is not part of an Australian Government election commitment project, you are still eligible to apply through Round One.

Projects in Round One may request funding of between $20,000 and $100,000 with the following conditions:

• Projects with a budget of $60,000 or greater must have a Project timeframe of between 18 months and three years (to 2016–17).

• Projects with a budget of less than $60,000 must be able to be completed within 18 months to be considered for funding.

• All Projects must commence in 2014–15.

Funding amount Project timeframe

$20,000 to $59,999 (GST exclusive)

Not more than 18 months in duration

$60,000 to $100,000 (GST exclusive)

From 18 months to three years in duration

The Department may adjust notional funding allocations based on the quality and variety of Applications received.

Please note that project years are financial years. Applicants should consider this when preparing their project budgets.

It is possible that grant budget profiles may need to be adjusted in line with the Department’s budget considerations. Applicants will be advised of any such budget changes before Funding Agreements are finalised.

Projects that also provide financial or in-kind contributions will be highly regarded in the Project’s value for money assessment (Assessment Criterion 5 in Section 5.3).




1.4 Programme Objectives The Programme will deliver against the following four Programme Objectives.

Objective One: 20 million trees—20 million trees and associated understorey by 2020.

The Programme aims to establish 20 million trees and understorey species by 2020 to improve local environmental outcomes. The Programme will support the planting of mixed native species including trees, shrubs and understorey species to re-establish and restore native vegetation.

The Programme will support Projects that establish native vegetation through planting tubestock (seedlings) or direct seeding. Plantings should comprise of native species suitable to the site and region over the longer term, taking into account changing climatic conditions. Consistent with best practice, Projects should also be underpinned by thorough site preparation and a long term commitment to maintenance.

Trees and shrubs with a potential height of at least 2 metres when mature will count towards the 20 million tree target. Understorey species will also be considered for funding to ensure that locally appropriate vegetation structures are achieved. Projects only proposing to plant understorey species as part of their revegetation will not be supported. For information about the height of individual species, refer to your local or state authority or visit the Atlas of Living Australia website: www.ala.org.au

Objective Two: Environmental conservation—supporting local environmental outcomes by improving the extent, connectivity and condition of native vegetation that supports native species (including threatened species and threatened ecological communities).

Projects may contribute to one or more of the following elements of Programme Objective Two:

• improving the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation

• local environmental outcomes in urban areas

• species protection.

Improving the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation

The Programme aims to improve the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation, and contribute towards re-establishing resilient and healthy natural landscapes.

Native vegetation is a critical element of the landscape and provides essential connectivity for native species and ecosystems. Native vegetation binds and nourishes our soils; shelters and sustains wildlife; filters and protects waterways; provides important agricultural benefits, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. However, native vegetation in many parts of Australia continues to be adversely impacted through a legacy of extensive land clearing and land use change. The impacts of land clearing are often compounded by degradation through grazing, and additional threats such as pest animals, invasive weeds, plant diseases, erosion, soil salinity and pollution.

The Programme will aim to improve the extent and condition of native vegetation, and reconnect areas of important natural habitat by supporting Projects that re-establish linkages and natural pathways such as wildlife corridors, revegetate riparian zones which link aquatic and terrestrial environments or propose broader landscape-scale revegetation approaches that achieve connectivity outcomes.

In the Application Form, Applicants should explain how their Project will enhance connectivity for particular species, processes and/or ecological communities. Projects involving strategic revegetation to develop resilient linkages across the Conservation Estate (refer to the glossary for a definition) and adjoining land may be highly regarded in Assessment Criterion 1 (refer to Section 5.3).

(Programme Objective Two continues over page)

http://www.ala.org.au


Local environmental outcomes in urban areas

While Australia’s urban, peri-urban and regional areas contain highly modified landscapes, they also contain substantial natural areas and environmental values with natural corridors and remnant vegetation patches providing refuge for native plants and animals. Urban forests contribute towards air filtration, nutrient cycling, and can reduce the urban heat island effect, where a built up metropolitan area experiences temperatures warmer than its surrounding areas.

The Programme will aim to improve the liveability of our cities and towns by supporting Projects that will create urban forests to moderate climate, while improving urban biodiversity and creating natural green spaces in urban settings.

Projects in urban areas may include activities that expand on or improve existing networks of urban parks and reserves, bushland remnants or tree-lined creeks and river systems. These Projects should show how they will benefit urban biodiversity in addition to providing benefits for the community.

Species protection

The Programme aims to have a positive impact on the local abundance, health and diversity of threatened species, ecological communities and their habitat.

These activities may include (but are not limited to):

• improving the extent, condition and/or connectivity of threatened species and ecological communities

• re-establishing threatened flora species through revegetation

• revegetating or restoring suitable habitat for threatened fauna, including migratory species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (the EPBC Act)

• reinstating suitable natural food sources for native fauna (by planting key plant species).

Applications should be guided by national and state recovery plans, strategies, action statements, conservation advices and similar documents that provide guidance on priority actions and target areas for the conservation of threatened species and ecological communities. It is important to note that a permit may be required to collect, propagate and plant threatened flora. Applicants should refer to relevant Commonwealth and state or territory legislation prior to submitting an Application. Applicants may be required to provide documentation to the Department upon request relating to such permits.

Applicants working with threatened species and/or threatened ecological communities are expected to show how they will use expert knowledge, advice, assistance or relevant research in collecting, planting and propagating threatened species, or preparing Project Sites for planting to avoid adverse impacts on threatened flora and fauna species.

Projects that include components focused on protecting or improving the extent and/or condition of state-listed or regionally significant species and ecological communities may also be considered for funding through the Programme if they demonstrate the Project will contribute to the Programme’s Objectives. Where Projects involve or may impact on state-listed threatened species or threatened ecological communities, advice from State Government, Botanic Gardens or scientists should be sought. Applicants may be required to provide evidence of this advice to the Department upon request.

(Programme Objective Two continued)


Objective Three: Community engagement—working cooperatively with the community

Community engagement can contribute to the long term success of revegetation activities. Revegetation activities that actively engage the local community are more likely to be maintained by that community into the future. Through the Programme, the Australian Government will support Projects that engage local communities and increase awareness of the environmental and community benefits of revegetation, in both regional and urban environments.

Applications driven by partnerships between different sectors of the community, such as local government, schools, businesses, community groups, Indigenous communities or NRM organisations, are encouraged where these partnerships demonstrate strong community support for the Project.

It is preferable that Applicants show the Project is actively supported by the local community. Evidence of community support could include letters from a local council, heritage organisation, Landcare group, or other community-based organisation. Evidence of community support does not need to be attached to your Application, but must be available if requested by the Department.

Engaging Indigenous communities

The Australian Government values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s knowledge of, and relationship with, country and recognises their contribution to protecting Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Where activities proposed in a Project will directly affect Indigenous sites, places, values or communities, Applicants must be able to show the Project is supported by the relevant Traditional Owners and/or local Indigenous organisation. Letters of support must be provided to the Department on request.

In consulting with Indigenous people, it may be appropriate to consult with:

• the Indigenous organisation or groups, which have legal responsibility as a key representative body for managing the land

• the Traditional Owner/s who speak for the country where the work will occur

• Indigenous people, groups or organisations who have rights and obligations or Aboriginal heritage within an area.

Objective Four: Carbon reduction—reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions

The Programme will contribute to Australia reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

The amount of carbon sequestered through the Programme will be dependent on several factors including planting location, density, species composition and layout. The Department will determine the total amount of carbon sequestered through the Programme, based on information collected from Project reports. The Department may use remote sensing methods to monitor the carbon sequestered through the Programme over the long-term.

Applicants are not required to calculate how much carbon will be sequestered through their Project.

Photo: Young volunteers at restoration site Ferndale WA (Tony McDonough)


Part 2: Eligibility Criteria and DeclarationsThe Department will determine whether Applications meet the Eligibility Criteria set out below. Applications deemed not to meet the Eligibility Criteria may be excluded from the Assessment Process.

2.1 Applicant eligibilityTo be eligible, Applicants must:

a. be a legal entity, for instance:

– an individual

– a trustee of a trust

– a company

– a partnership where each of the partners are legal entities

– an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation, council or incorporated association

– a government-related entity

– an incorporated association or cooperative society, and

b. either:

have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered for GST, if required to be registered by the Australian Tax Office or

provide a Statement by a Supplier prior to entering into a Funding Agreement with the Department, explaining why the Project proponent is not required to have an ABN (using the template available on the ATO website at https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Australian-business-number/In-detail/Statement-by-a-supplier/).

Note: where the Applicant has authorised another entity to represent it for the purpose of involvement in the Programme, written agreement from the Applicant entity for the other entity to act on their behalf regarding all aspects of the Programme should be attached to the Application.

If the Applicant is a partnership, the person signing the Application must have authority to sign for and bind the partners of the partnership jointly and severally. Evidence of the authority to sign on behalf of a partnership must be attached to the Application.

Where a consortium of organisations wishes to make an Application, one legal entity must take overall responsibility for the Application, as the Applicant, and be able to enter into a Funding Agreement with the Department if the Application is successful.

Applicants must be willing and able to enter into the standard Funding Agreement with the Department (see Part 6 for more information), submit an Application in the standard Application Form, and commit to monitor and report on their Project as specified by the Department (refer to Part 7).

2.2 Applicant declarations Applicants will be required to make declarations regarding their Application. Responses to declarations in eligible Applications will be considered in the assessment process.

Application declarations may include, but will not be limited to, declarations to the effect that:

a. the Applicant has, or is able to obtain before Closing Time:

– the landholder’s/leaseholder’s written permission to use the Project Site and to carry out the Project Activities

– approval from any organisation, individual/s or traditional owners that the Applicant partners with or represents on the Project

b. the Applicant has or is able to obtain, all necessary planning, permits, regulatory or other approvals, to ensure all Project Activities are completed within the designated timeframe

c. prior to a funding contract being finalised, the Applicant will:

– have no overdue reports or acquittals from previous Australian Government funding

– have, or will be able to obtain, an assurance from each organisation or individual the Applicant is partnering with or representing on the Project, that they have no overdue reports or acquittals from previous Australian Government funding

d. where the Applicant is an individual, the Applicant is an Australian citizen or permanent resident

e. none of the Activities proposed in the Application are required to be carried out by law (for example, as part of an approval under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation, such as the provision of an environmental offset under the EPBC Act)

(continued over page)

https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Australian-business-number/In-detail/Statement-by-a-supplier/




f. the Application only proposes Activities that are independent of and in addition to Activities that form part of the business-as-usual practices and/or the legally required process of managing land such as pasture improvement, planting for fodder, weed management (as required by state/territory law), harvesting for commercial purposes, standard boundary fencing or fencing for production purposes. Business-as-usual does not include the core business of environmental or conservation groups, organisations or individuals

g. none of the Activities proposed in the Application have already been undertaken or are substantially the same activities as those funded by another initiative or programme (for example, state or territory funded tree planting programmes or other Commonwealth programmes such as the Green Army). However, activities may complement those activities being funded by another initiative or programme

h. none of the Activities proposed in the Application are likely to have a significant impact on any matter of national environmental significance under the EPBC Act (which requires referral for approval).

2.3 Project eligibility To be eligible, a Project must:

9 contribute towards one or more of the Programme Objectives outlined in Section 1.4

9only consist of Eligible Activities as described in Section 2.4 below

9be seeking Programme funding of between $20,000 and $100,000 (GST exclusive)

9have a proposed Project timeframe of between one and three years with the Project to commence in 2014–15, in line with those requirements set out in Part 1.3

9 include planting of native trees that will reach a potential height of at least 2 metres

9be located within Australia and its territories.

2.4 Eligible activitiesA list of eligible Project Activities is provided in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Eligible Project Activities

Revegetation activities

Planting seedlings Activities involving planting native trees, shrubs and understorey species to contribute to the Programme Objectives.

Direct seeding Activities that involve the direct seeding of native tree, shrub and understorey species to contribute to the Programme Objectives.

Additional activities that are eligible for funding where they directly support eligible revegetation activities described above

Plant propagation Activities that involve propagating native plants for planting at Project Sites.

Weed treatment Activities that primarily involve physical, chemical or biological control of plant weed species to directly benefit the Project’s revegetation investment.

Project Site preparation Activities primarily aimed at preparing a Project Site (excluding weed treatment) for example, ripping soil for revegetation. Refer to Section 4.2 for more information about Project Site preparation requirements of the Programme.

Project Site maintenance Maintaining plantings, watering, follow up weed and pest control. Refer to Section 4.2 for more information about Project Site maintenance requirements of the Programme.

9Within the proposed Project budget, Applicants may include funding for Project administration such as Project planning, Project management meetings and running the Project, however, these costs must be 10 per cent or less of total Project cost.

9Applicants may also include funding for monitoring and reporting on Project progress and outcomes (including site assessments, surveys and other standard reporting requirements outlined in Part 7), however these costs must be 5 per cent or less of total Project cost.


2.5 Activities that may be funded through other funding sources

Complementary activities such as seed collecting, fencing and community events will not be funded by the Programme. However, Projects may include these activities where they are delivered using financial or in-kind contributions, or where they are resourced through other Australian Government programmes (for example through other components of the National Landcare Programme or the Green Army).

2.6 Activities that will not be funded through the Programme

The Programme will also not fund activities or asset purchases which:

8 are outside of Australia and its territories

8 do not contribute to revegetation activities

8 are not integral to achieving the Project Outcomes

8 are required to be carried out by law or by a private contractual obligation

8 are required as compliance or government business or are part of an approval under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation, for example, the provision of an environmental offset under the EPBC Act

8 are for activities undertaken, or equipment or material purchased, as part of the business-as-usual practice and/or legally required process of managing land such as pasture improvement, planting for fodder, weed management as required by state/territory law or harvesting for commercial purposes. Business-as-usual does not include the core business of environmental or conservation groups, organisations or individuals

8 are a potential or direct subsidisation of commercial activities, business start-up or other action where the primary purpose is commercial gain

8 involve land acquisition

8 are for administrative or legal costs other than those directly relevant (for example, operational or legal costs other than those directly relating to the delivery of the Project)

8 are for the purchase of major capital items with an individual cost of $10,000 (GST exclusive) or more. Major capital items are defined as building improvements and items of equipment, furniture, vehicles, computer hardware and software, media equipment and the like. Asset purchases below $10,000 (GST inclusive) must contribute to achieving the Project Outcomes and will be considered in the context of the Project’s value for money assessment. As a guide no more than 10 per cent of the total funds requested should be requested for asset purchases. Leasing or hire of capital items is preferred

8 any eligible assets that are proposed to be purchased with Programme funds must be identified in the budget table in the Application Form. Funding Recipients will be required to seek approval in writing from the Department prior to using Programme funds for any additional eligible asset purchases not identified in the original Application Form

8 include planting species (including native species) that are known to be, or could become, environmental or agricultural weeds

8 are monoculture or ‘forestry’ plantings, which typically involve plantings of minimal species diversity or plants not native to the Project Site

8 deliver a private benefit only, such as gardening or landscaping

8 do not deliver any ecological benefit, for example picnic tables, shelters or paving

8 are for the construction of nurseries or associated infrastructure

8 involve primarily monitoring, modelling or research based activities not part of or subordinate to an on-ground Project

8 are primarily for political advocacy (for example, protesting for or against a development).


Part 3: Guidance for designing Projects The information provided below provides guidance to help Applicants design their Project. This information should be read in conjunction with the Eligibility Criteria outlined in Part 2.

3.1 What species should I plant? Plantings should consist of naturally occurring trees, shrubs and associated understorey species appropriate to the regional area, and be sourced from seeds within the natural regional distribution of the species. Projects that facilitate local seed collection as an in-kind or financial contribution will be highly regarded in the Assessment Process. This may include, for example, community participation in seed collecting and propagation activities that contribute to achieving the Programme Objectives. Plantings should be appropriate to the biophysical characteristics of the Project Site, reflect the structure and composition of the regional native vegetation community and, where appropriate, provide habitat for threatened species. Trees should not be established in ecological communities where they would not naturally form a part of the vegetation community such as in natural grasslands or herb-dominated wetlands. Applicants will be required to provide an overview of the types of species, vegetation structure and diversity that will be established by the Project in the Application Form.

Species should be suitable to the Project Site and region over the longer term, taking account of changing climatic conditions. It is important to avoid creating potential invasive species problems by planting inappropriate species. Using species from outside their normal range should only be undertaken with expert scientific advice and must be well-justified in the Application.

3.2 Where can I carry out a Project?Projects can take place in urban, peri-urban and regional areas, on both private and public land. Projects may involve multiple landholders and land titles. Projects must occur within Australia or its territories. Applicants must have the permission of the landholder to undertake a Project prior to submitting an Application and must be able to provide written evidence of this permission, at the request of the Department. Applicants should ensure their Project Site is on land where trees can be maintained into the future (see Section 4.2).

Projects may consist of one or more Project Sites within a Project area. A Project Site is a geographically defined area where a revegetation method will be applied (for example, direct seeding). Applicants will be required to provide location information, including site polygons, in their Application Form. Instructions on how to provide this information will be included in the Application Form.

3.3 What information should I use to develop my Project?

Recognising the importance of using existing local knowledge, planning and expertise in Project planning, Applicants are encouraged to refer to relevant environment or natural resource management (NRM) plans to identify local and regional revegetation priorities. Such plans include, but are not limited to, regional Catchment Management or NRM Plans, conservation advices, Species and Ecological Communities Recovery Plans, relevant Threat Abatement Plans, Protected Area Plans of Management, Indigenous Land and Sea Country Plans, and urban planning strategies.

Applicants are encouraged to explain how their Project aligns with any relevant national environmental plans or strategies (National Strategies) such as Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework 2012, or Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030. These National Strategies support a strategic approach to maintaining Australia’s natural infrastructure (refer to the Glossary for additional examples).

3.4 How do I count trees to be established through my Project?

Applicants will be required to provide a realistic estimate of the number of trees that will be established through their Project. Applicants will also be required to provide an estimate of the numbers of plants and shrubs with a potential height of less than 2 metres when mature to be established through the Project, in order to determine whether the Project will establish appropriate vegetation structures.

The methods used to estimate tree numbers will vary, depending on the revegetation methods used, the information below is provided to help Applicants in providing their estimates.


Planting

(for example, tubestock)

Projects that involve planting will need to provide an estimate of the numbers of trees and shrubs with an anticipated mature height of at least 2 metres to be established through the Project. This estimate should account for any tree losses that may occur based on average survival rates.

Applicants are required to either:

a) refer to a Benchmark Site (a site that best represents the target vegetation community to be established by the Project) to support their estimate, or

b) provide details of how they calculated their estimate (for example, through previous experience).

Direct seeding Projects that establish vegetation though direct seeding activities will need to provide an estimate of the number of trees and shrubs with a mature height of at least 2 metres to be established through the Project. The estimate should not include trees and shrubs that will be removed for thinning purposes (to achieve a natural stem density) and should take into account average survival rates.

Applicants are required to either:

a) refer to a Benchmark Site (that is, a site that best represents the target vegetation community to be established by the Project) to support their estimate, or

b) provide details of how they calculated their estimate (for example, through previous experience in direct seeding projects).

Successful Applicants will be required to report on the actual number of trees surviving through online progress reports as described in Part 7 below, and in the plant survival survey activity form in the Department’s online reporting tool. The Department may ask for further information, conduct Project Site visits or arrange inspections by third parties from time to time to monitor the progress of the Project and its compliance with the Programme for seven years from the termination or expiry of the Funding Agreement.

3.5 How long do the plantings need to remain for?

Plantings funded under the Programme should be maintained for at least 10 years to ensure that environmental and carbon abatement benefits are sustained. Applicants are encouraged to explain in their Application how trees will be maintained in the long term to achieve the Programme Objectives.

Projects that provide financial or in-kind contributions to protect plantings over the long term (for example, by installing fencing at Project Sites to protect plantings from grazing) will be highly regarded in Assessment Criterion 2: Commitment to ongoing management (refer to Section 5.3).

3.6 Do I need to account for tree survival?

Applicants need to account for tree mortality and ensure that, at a minimum, the contracted number of trees will be established within the Project timeframe. The Programme will not provide additional future funds to cover tree losses.

For the purposes of the Programme, trees are considered to be established if they are living at the end of the Project. The number of trees surviving at the end of the Project will be recorded as the number of trees that the Project has contributed to the Programme. The Department may contact Recipients to confirm survival rates of plantings beyond the life of the Project as specified in the Funding Agreement.

Applications should convey an understanding of average survival rates and show how this has been factored into the number of trees the Project will establish.

Applicants can improve tree survival rates through supplementary watering and planting extra trees during the project to cover predicted and actual losses. Planting and seeding techniques that maximise survival in dry periods should also be considered. Projects that provide financial or in-kind contributions to cover plant losses will be highly regarded in Assessment Criterion 2: Commitment to ongoing management (refer to Section 5.3).


3.7 Can my Project receive recognition under the Emissions Reduction Fund or the Carbon Farming Initiative?

The Department will calculate the carbon abatement for all Projects funded through the Programme. However, Projects will not receive recognition under the Emissions Reduction Fund, as they already being funded by the Australian Government.

If you are interested in obtaining a tradeable carbon offset credit for your Project, for example through the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), you can apply for this directly through a separate process. This process may require a more robust assessment of your Project’s carbon abatement, consistent with CFI methodologies.

Information on eligibility requirements for the CFI, including information about CFI offset methodologies, is available online at www.climatechange.gov.au/CFI.

The Assessment Process under the Programme and the CFI are independent assessment processes.

Photo: Tree plantings along creek a corridor near Orbost, Victoria (John Baker)

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/CFI


Part 4: What is required of Applicants?

4.1 Project planning and management

As an Applicant for funding under the Programme, you are required to:

• have the written consent of the property owner or property manager to implement the Project, where you do not own or manage the Project Site/s

• have, where relevant, the support of the traditional owners and/or local Indigenous organisation and provide evidence of this support to the Department on request

• ensure you have all necessary resources (that is, your financial and/or in-kind contributions) to undertake the Project. This may include materials, equipment and technical advice/expertise

• ensure all necessary planning, regulatory or other approvals and/or permits are in place prior to the agreed date of commencement, including approvals associated with the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage

• ensure your Project complies with all requirements set out in any applicable Commonwealth, state or territory, or local government legislation and regulations

• provide a safe work environment, undertake a risk assessment for the Project, and identify appropriate strategies for reducing or managing risks

• hold appropriate insurance, as relevant, during the whole Funding Agreement period and as long after as required by the Funding Agreement

• facilitate local community support for and engagement in the Project as appropriate

• prevent grazing within the Project Site/s where such grazing would be detrimental to the establishment and survival of trees.

Effective planning and management is essential to Project success. Applicants may be asked to declare in the Application Form that they have fulfilled these requirements, and the Department will rely on those declarations in its assessment of Applications. Where relevant, the Department may request evidence that these requirements have been fulfilled at any time during the Assessment Process or, if an Application is successful, before or after a Funding Agreement is entered into with the Applicant.

4.2 Project Site preparation and maintenance

Applications should demonstrate adequate capacity for Project Site preparation and ongoing maintenance. On some Project Sites it may be necessary to undertake weed control before planting or seeding to ensure acceptable survival rates. Where this occurs, a staged approach may be important so that works do not put local native species at risk. In other places, Project Site maintenance before or during planting and subsequent post-planting weed control may be adequate.

Applicants are expected to provide information on how they will make good on tree losses and how Project Outcomes will be maintained into the future. Where significant plant losses occur within the Project timeframe, the Project Site must be replanted or re-seeded to achieve the contracted number of trees. Applicants should demonstrate how they will overcome any losses to ensure they fulfil the number of trees contracted in the Funding Agreement.

Applicants showing a long-term commitment to maintaining Project Sites, for example by providing in-kind contributions to replace any trees lost beyond the life of the Project, will be highly regarded in Assessment Criterion 2: Commitment to ongoing management (refer to Section 5.3).

Applicants showing a strong history of achieving long-term environmental outcomes, including ongoing maintenance should include this information in their Application.

4.3 Risk managementApplicants should be aware of potential risks to the Project and be prepared to implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

Applicants will be required to complete a Project risk assessment as part of the Application Form.

Work Health and Safety

Applicants will be required to implement high standards of work health and safety at all Project Sites to the maximum extent possible, including providing a safe work environment and appropriate safety equipment for all Project participants and ensuring safe access to Project Sites where work is being carried out. All parties must comply with the relevant Commonwealth, state or territory work health and safety legislation.


Fire

It is a requirement that all Projects comply with all local planning regulations, including revegetation and fire management, applicable to their Project. Applicants will be asked in the Application Form how they have adequately considered fire risks in developing their Project. In addition to risks to the Project Site itself, consideration will need to be given to property and assets, as well as human life and wellbeing.

Applicants should consult with their relevant local and state fire management authorities and plans prior to submitting their Application. Applicants also need to check their Project is in accordance with national environmental law regarding bushfire management. For more information refer to www.environment.gov.au/resource/bushfire-management-and-national-environment-law. If successful, Applicants will need to warrant in their Funding Agreement that they will perform the Project in accordance with all applicable laws, including those relating to fire risk management.

Climatic conditions

Loss of plants through hot, dry periods or drought is a significant risk to a Project’s success. Applicants need to consider how plants will be maintained to survive, such as carrying out supplementary watering in dry seasons, and must build necessary activities into their Project.

Permits

Projects need to comply with the relevant regulations for environmental works within their state or territory (for all aspects of their Project, including for seed and plant collecting) as well as with Commonwealth regulations including the EPBC Act.

For information about relevant state and territory regulations, check with the relevant state or territory authorities.

Consider the following aspects of your Project when researching which relevant permits may be required:

• weed control

• water interception

• working with threatened species and threatened ecological communities

• heritage values

• Indigenous cultural values

• land tenure (e.g. parks, reserves, Commonwealth areas)

• work health and safety laws.

Planning requirements

Project Sites should not be on land zoned for future development, on easements that may be excavated by utilities, or where potential future disturbance is likely. Applicants should consult with their relevant local planning authorities prior to submitting an Application, particularly if the Project will occur on public land. Applicants revegetating private land may consider covenants and other mechanisms for promoting the permanence of plantings, and will be highly regarded in the Assessment Process for doing so. Further information is available online at www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/biodiversity-conservation/conservation-covenants.

Biosecurity

Applicants should consider any potential biosecurity risks (the risk of spreading pests and diseases) relevant to their Project, and how these risks could be minimised. Biosecurity risks could include weeds, plant pathogens such as Myrtle Rust, Phytophthora, insects or other pests. Applicants should consider appropriate actions to mitigate the risks relevant to the Project area, for example sanitation measures (such as cleaning all field equipment prior to entering any revegetation sites), safe disposal of weeds and other organic matter, and using appropriate plant propagation practices. Refer to advice from relevant authorities such as the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, state agencies or local government on appropriate management of biosecurity risks.

Photo: Revegetation through direct seeding, NSW (Department of the Environment)

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/biodiversity-conservation/conservation-covenants




Part 5: Application and Assessment Process

5.1 How to apply The Application period opens 2 October 2014 and closes 2.00 pm AEDT on 30 October 2014 (Closing Time).

Use the following process to submit an Application for funding under Stream 1 of the Programme:

1. Read these Guidelines.

2. Access the Application Form available at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

All application forms must be submitted via the online form unless otherwise agreed by the Department of the Environment.

OR

3. If you do not have access to the internet, request a hard copy Application Form by calling the Department on 1800 552 008.

Please note that each downloaded Application Form has a unique identifier embedded into it as a means to exclude duplicate submissions. For each individual Project Application, a separate Application Form will need to be downloaded from the online site.

4. Complete all aspects of the Application Form.

5. Submit the completed Application Form and required attachments only—no additional supporting documentation should be submitted.

6. Submit the Application Form online at www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees by 2.00 pm AEDT 30 October 2014. Keep a copy of your Application Form for your records.

If you are submitting a hard copy Application Form it must be received by the Department before 2.00 pm AEDT 30 October 2014. If you believe your Application may not arrive before this time, please contact the Department on 1800 552 008.

Hard copy Applications are to be addressed and delivered to:

Post: 20 Million Trees Programme Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment GPO Box 787, CANBERRA ACT 2601

Courier deliveries to: 20 Million Trees Programme Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment Reception, John Gorton Building King Edward Terrace, PARKES ACT 2601

Where an Application is submitted by an organisation (that is, not an individual), submission of the Application Form electronically will mean the Application Form is deemed to have been signed and approved by an authorised officer of that organisation. Hardcopy Applications must be signed and approved by an authorised officer of the organisation before submission.

Amendments to submitted Application Forms can only be made before the Application period closes. If you need to alter your Application prior to the Closing Time, please contact the Department in writing by email on [email protected]

The Department may, at its sole discretion, extend the Application period. Any such extension will be communicated via the Department’s website.

It is each Applicant’s responsibility to ensure all information required in the Application Form is received by the Department before the Closing Time.

Applicants are responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and lodgement of an Application and in respect of any discussions, enquiries or any work undertaken prior to signing a Funding Agreement.

Departmental representatives are available to provide information on factual matters such as the Assessment Process and Eligibility Criteria, clarification of terms, Programme Objectives, priorities or relevant information sources. If you have any questions about the Application process or other aspects of the Programme, please contact the Department on:

Phone: 1800 552 008 Email: [email protected]

5.2 Late Applications Unless an alternative timeframe has been agreed to by the Department prior to the Closing Time, any Application received by the Department after the Closing Time (if lodged electronically or delivered by post or courier), will be considered late and will be registered separately. The Department may consider admitting late Applications under extenuating circumstances. Any requests for an extension of time to lodge an Application must be made to the Department prior to the Closing Time. These requests should be submitted in writing to: [email protected]

The Department has no obligation to accept a late Application. Any decision by the Department to accept or not accept a late Application is at the Department’s absolute discretion and will be final.

http://spire.environment.gov.au/spire/744747/744741/897/Grant%20Programme%20-%20Round%201/www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

mailto:[email protected]




5.3 Assessment Criteria Where an Application is found to be eligible in accordance with the Eligibility Criteria described in Part 2, it will then be assessed on the extent to which it addresses the Assessment Criteria in Section 5.3.1 below.

The following guidance under each Assessment Criterion is not intended to be prescriptive. Unless otherwise indicated, Applicants are not necessarily required to meet all of the items specified for each Assessment Criterion.

When assessing Applications, Criterion 1 will be weighted more highly than Criteria 2, 3, 4 and 5.

5.3.1 20 Million Trees Assessment Criteria

Criterion 1—The Project aligns with 20 Million Trees Objectives

In assessing this criterion, consideration will be given to:

• How the Project will provide environmental conservation outcomes as described in Programme Objective Two in Section 1.4 (improving the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation, local environmental outcomes in urban areas and/or species protection).

• How the Project Activities, location, scale and landscape context will provide locally significant environmental benefits and will appropriately address the relevant threats to the identified environmental assets.

If any threatened species or ecological communities listed under the EPBC Act are present at the Project Site, the Application must demonstrate how the Project will be managed to ensure Project Activities do not have a significant adverse impact on these matters.

• How any relevant environmental, NRM or conservation plans, projects, initiatives, programmes or advice have been considered and incorporated into the design of the Project.

Examples of relevant plans and strategies are listed in Section 3.8.

• How the Project will engage the community to contribute to the long term success of the Project. This may include for example, working cooperatively with the community through partnerships, engaging with a diverse range of community groups and individuals, and ensuring the Project has an adequate level of community support.

Criterion 2—Commitment to ongoing management

The extent the Application shows commitment to the ongoing management of the Project Site/s once a Project is complete, with consideration given to:

• the degree to which ‘make-good’ provisions are in place to ensure the proposed tree numbers are achieved and plant losses are made good, with these expenses to be met by the Applicant or incorporated into the Project budget. Make good provisions may include replacing trees that do not survive, planting additional trees during the Project to account for anticipated tree losses, or by carrying out infill planting where necessary.

• how the Project Site/s will be managed over time to maintain the Project Outcomes. This should include managing relevant ongoing threats such as invasive species.

• additional commitments to the ongoing management of the Project through, for example, financial contributions, other significant in-kind contributions from third parties or Project partners, a commitment to long term ecological monitoring or secure Project Site tenure arrangements such as conservation covenanting agreements.


Criterion 3—Capacity of Applicant to deliver

In assessing this criterion, consideration will be given to:

• how the governance arrangements for the Project are appropriate to the scale and type of project, and how the Applicant will deliver the Project Outcomes on time and within budget. If relevant, how any collaboration between Project partners and/or across multiple tenures will be managed.

• the extent of the Applicant’s past experience in efficiently and effectively delivering environmental projects, including government grants, and how the Applicant’s skills, capacity and resources (including any specialist technical support) will successfully deliver the Project.

Criterion 4—Risk management

The Application must show:

• that potential risks to the Project have been considered and appropriate mitigation strategies prepared. Key Project delivery risks that must be considered include workplace health and safety, fire management, lower than expected survival rate of plantings and climatic conditions.

Criterion 5—Value for public money

The Application should show that the total Project budget represents good value for public money, taking into account:

• the amount of funding sought for the Project.

• whether budget items are reasonable and relevant to Project Activities and Project Outcomes for each Project Site and apply only to eligible Project Activities (see Section 2.4 for eligible Project Activities).

• the average cost per tree (that is, for trees above 2 metres tall at maturity).

• the level of financial and/or in-kind cash contribution to be provided by the Applicant, Project partners, third parties or other sources and that these are relevant and reasonable.


5.4 Assessment Process

Receipt and registration

Once an online Application is submitted, an automatic receipt will be generated. For hard copy applications, notification will be confirmed by the Department between seven and 14 days of receipt by the Department.

Eligibility check

All Applications will be screened by the Department to confirm whether the Eligibility Criteria (in Part 2 of these Guidelines) have been met. Applications that do not meet all of the Eligibility Criteria may not be eligible for funding under the Programme.

Assessment of Applications

Applications will be assessed by the Department against the Assessment Criteria in Section 5.3.1 of these Guidelines. The Australian Government is committed to a fair and transparent Assessment Process.

Each Application will be assessed by at least two assessors, who will be Australian Government staff with necessary expertise and technical specialisation as required. Advice may be sought from within the Department, or across the Australian Government, as required. This advice may include spatial information or other data held by the Australian Government that is relevant to the Assessment Process. All assessors will be required to sign conflict of interest declarations and comply with the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.

A Moderation Panel consisting of Departmental officials and an Independent Chair will consider the assessed Applications before providing recommendations to the Minister.

The Moderation Panel may consider Applications in the context of:

• effective partnerships and collaboration in achieving biodiversity outcomes across the landscape;

• whether proposed Projects complement and support other proposed Projects submitted in the round;

• the geographic distribution of proposed Projects across Australia;

• the spatial and environmental context, including climatic factors;

• a mix of urban, peri urban and regional Projects;

• a representation of a range of Applicants and Applicant types;

• a mix of short and longer term Projects;

• the funding available for Projects within the Programme, including in the context of previous commitments made by the Australian Government, and other Departmental objectives and priorities.

The Department may contact Applicants during the Assessment Process to seek clarification about their Application, especially where the information provided in the Application is ambiguous or where contradictory statements are made, or to request evidence in support of any declaration made in the Application (see Section 4.1). The Department reserves the right to accept or disregard additional information provided by the Applicant and will not allow responses which materially improve or amend an Applicant’s original Application.

The Department reserves the right at its absolute discretion to exclude from further consideration Applications that do not contain sufficient information on which to make an assessment.

Selection and notification

The Minister will make the final decision on successful Projects.

In making the final decision, the Minister will take into account advice from the Department and may consider other sources of advice to inform this decision. In selecting proposals to receive funding, the Minister may select strategic or exceptional projects from outside the competitive funding round described in these Guidelines, provided such projects meet the Programme Objectives.

Where the Programme is oversubscribed, Applications which are considered suitable will be funded in order of merit to the limit of the grant funds available.

The Department will notify unsuccessful Applicants in writing. All Applicants will be given the opportunity to receive written or other feedback on their application, provided a request in writing is made within one month of public notice of successful projects. Unsuccessful (but not ineligible) Applicants will be able to reapply in any subsequent funding rounds of the Programme (see Section 1.3). Details of successful Projects will be listed on the Department’s website once successful Applicants have been informed.

All decisions on successful Projects are final and there is no right of appeal. However, the Department may, at its discretion, revisit a funding recommendation process in exceptional circumstances. Please refer to Part 9 for information on the Department’s complaints procedures.


Part 6: Funding Agreement requirements A Funding Agreement is a legally enforceable, performance-based contract between the Department and a successful Applicant that sets out the terms and conditions governing the funding to be provided to the successful Applicant under the Programme. All Project funding payments are subject to the successful Applicant entering into and complying with the terms and conditions of a Funding Agreement.

The Department will enter into a Funding Agreement with each successful Applicant (referred to in Parts 6 and 7 as the Recipient). A Recipient will be legally responsible for ensuring all of the obligations under the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement are met. The Department may withdraw the offer of funding to any successful Applicant if the Funding Agreement is not signed by the successful Applicant within the timeframe determined by the Department. The payment of funding is contingent on the Recipient achieving prescribed milestones as set out in the Funding Agreement.

Recipients will be required to acknowledge the Government’s support and funding where applicable.

An example draft Funding Agreement is available at: www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees and sets out the proposed terms and conditions of receiving funding under the Programme.

Applicants are expected to read the example Funding Agreement in conjunction with these Guidelines and familiarise themselves with all its terms and conditions.

Without limiting the need for Applicants to read the example Funding Agreement, some key requirements of the Funding Agreement include:

Reporting

The Funding Agreement will require Recipients to regularly report to the Department on Project progress, implementation of the Project Activities and Project Outcomes via the Department’s online reporting tool (see Part 7 for more information).

Payments

Payments will be linked to reporting requirements stipulated in the Funding Agreement. Draft reporting templates will be available online at: www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

The Department will monitor the progress of Projects by assessing these reports and by conducting Project Site visits where necessary. The Department may defer, reduce, or not make payments if the Recipient has not achieved a milestone or carried out the Project to the Department’s satisfaction.

A successful Applicant must not commence work on the Project before a Funding Agreement is executed with the Department. Payments will not be backdated for activities that commenced before the execution of the Funding Agreement, and no payments will be made unless a Funding Agreement has been executed. The Funding Agreement will include provision for the Department to seek repayment of funds that are found not to have been spent in accordance with the purposes specified in the Funding Agreement.

Project delays

In the event of Project delays the Funding Agreement will require the Recipient to notify the Department in writing of the delay, setting out the reason for the delay and the method and timeline for rectification of the delay. The Department will work with Recipients to ensure that, wherever possible, delays can be rectified and do not result in the termination of the Project.

Project review

If, during the life of the Funding Agreement, a Recipient organisation undergoes a significant change to its organisational structure, resources, or circumstances, such as an amalgamation with another organisation, the Department may carry out a review and assess whether the Project governed by a Funding Agreement continues to represent value for money. Following that review, the Department may:

• reduce the amount of funding payments or the scope of the Project to help complete the Project efficiently

• terminate the relevant Funding Agreement if the Project is no longer considered to represent value for money.




Taxation

Payments may give rise to assessable income. The amount, if any, included in assessable income will depend on the circumstances of each Recipient, and the precise terms and conditions under which the entitlement arises. Applicants are encouraged to seek prior independent legal and financial advice about the implications of receiving funding under the Programme before entering into a Funding Agreement with the Department.

Insurance and indemnity requirements

Successful Applicants must ensure that, at the time of entering into the Funding Agreement the relevant legal entity holds the required insurance(s) for the level and duration specified in the Funding Agreement. The Department may require the Recipient to provide copies of the relevant certificates of currency for their insurance.

Document retention

A condition of funding will be that Recipients retain records and accounts as specified in the Funding Agreement.

Photo: Volunteer rehabilitating sand dunes, Leighton Beach, WA (Department of the Environment)


Part 7: Monitoring and reporting The Australian Government requires monitoring and reporting for all environment and NRM programmes. The Programme aims to streamline how each Recipient monitors and reports on their Project’s progress and outcomes. Monitoring and reporting requirements are detailed on the website at www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri

7.1 Project monitoring and reporting Recipients are required to provide the following information and reports to the Australian Government, and additional information on request:

• an online Project activity schedule when the Project begins using the Department’s online reporting tool

• an online progress report every six months during the Project. Some of this information may be made available to the public

• financial reports

• a final project report, due within eight weeks of the agreed completion date for the Project, including additional questions which will contribute to the Department’s review of the Programme.

Recipients will be required to map their Project Sites and monitor and report on Project Activities and Outcomes. Project information such as the outputs, outcomes and location of Project Activities may be made public in line with the Principles on open public sector information, available at www.oaic.gov.au/information-policy/information-policy-resources/information-policy-agency-resources/principles-on-open-public-sector-information

Up to five per cent of the funding received by a Recipient may be used for monitoring and reporting activities. This budget should be justified in your Application Form.

Meeting the required reporting obligations within the given timeframe is compulsory to ensure the continuation of funding.

Projects that demonstrate a commitment to long-term ecological monitoring may be highly regarded in the Assessment Process.

7.2 Programme monitoring and reporting

Project reporting will be complemented by monitoring initiatives undertaken by the Australian Government to evaluate investments at a Programme level. This may include on ground monitoring by third parties or using remote sensing to determine carbon and environmental outcomes.

7.3 How will Projects be acquitted? As a recipient of public monies, Recipients are obliged to report on the financial and practical progress of the Project undertaken. This will involve an independent qualified accountant examining the Project’s records annually and certifying that all funds have been expended in accordance with the Funding Agreement. Once the Project is completed, Recipients must acquit their Project. Applicants should consider this when preparing their Project budgets. Final acquittal is required within eight weeks of the agreed completion date for the Project.

7.4 Evaluation of the Programme An evaluation by the Department will determine how funding awarded under the Programme has achieved the Programme Objectives. Funding recipients will be required to provide information to assist this evaluation, as stipulated in the Funding Agreement. This information will be obtained through regular monitoring and reporting as required by the Programme and will not result in costs to the Applicant above the five per cent maximum allocated in Project budgets for this purpose.

http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri

http://www.oaic.gov.au/information-policy/information-policy-resources/information-policy-agency-resources/principles-on-open-public-sector-information





Part 8: Rights and responsibilities

8.1 Applicants It is the responsibility of the Applicant to:

• fully and properly inform themselves of the requirements of the Programme, these Guidelines and the Application process

• ensure their Application is complete and accurate as the Department is not obliged to request additional or missing information

• ensure their Application is received by the Department before the Closing Time

• identify any information contained within their Application, which they consider should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request (noting the Department will not be in breach of any confidentiality obligations where disclosure is required as outlined further in Section 8.3 below)

• keep a copy of their Application and attachments for their records

• after submitting their Application, inform the Department of any changes to their circumstances, which may affect their Application or eligibility for funding under these Guidelines.

If an Applicant is successful in obtaining funding, it is the Applicant’s responsibility to ensure they hold the required insurance(s) at the time of entering into the Funding Agreement and before Project Activities commence. The Department may require the Applicant to provide copies of the relevant certificates of currency for their insurance at any time during the term of the Funding Agreement (and beyond as applicable).

Applicants are also required to declare in the Application Form where any actual, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest exists or might arise in relation to: their Application; the proposed Project; or, any Funding Agreement they may enter into with the Department.

A conflict of interest may exist, for example, if the Applicant or any of its personnel:

• has a relationship (whether professional, commercial or personal) with a party who is able to influence the application assessment process, such as a departmental staff member

• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation, which is likely to interfere with or restrict the Applicant in carrying out the proposed activities fairly and independently

• has a relationship with, or interest in, an organisation from which they will receive personal gain as a result of the granting of funding under the programme.

The Applicant’s participation in any stage of the Application process, or in relation to any matter concerning the process, is at the Applicant’s sole risk, cost and expense. The Australian Government will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by an Applicant in preparing or lodging an Application or in taking part in the Application process. Funding Recipients will be fully responsible for implementing and delivering their Projects funded under the Programme.

The Australian Government will not accept responsibility for any misunderstanding arising from the failure by the Applicant to comply with these Guidelines, or arising from any discrepancies, ambiguities, inconsistencies or errors in their Application or in these Guidelines.

Applicants are entirely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted in their Application. If Applicants knowingly provide inadequate, false or misleading information, the Application may be excluded from the Assessment Process.

If an Applicant discovers any material discrepancy, ambiguity, inconsistency or errors in their submitted Application, they must immediately bring it to the attention of the Department by emailing [email protected]

Applicants should be aware that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

8.2 The Australian Government’s rights

The Australian Government reserves the right to amend these Guidelines by whatever means it may determine in its absolute discretion and will, where possible, provide reasonable notice of these amendments. The Australian Government also reserves the right to vary, suspend or terminate the Assessment Process at any time and in its absolute discretion.

The Department will ensure all staff involved in the Assessment Process declare and address any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest prior to providing any advice or assessment.



8.3 Confidentiality and privacyApplicants must identify any information contained within their Application, which they consider should be treated as confidential and provide reasons for the request.

The Department will only consider a request for confidentiality where:

• the information to be protected is identified in specific rather than global terms

• the information is by its nature confidential and

• disclosure would cause detriment to the parties concerned.

The Department is subject to the legislative and administrative accountability and transparency requirements of the Australian Government, including disclosure to the Parliament and its Committees. Notwithstanding any obligation of confidentiality, the Department may disclose, or allow at any time the disclosure of, any information contained in or relating to any Application:

i. to its advisers, employees or internal management for purposes related to the Application and Assessment Processes, including to evaluate or otherwise assess Applications and manage any resultant Funding Agreement

ii. to the responsible Minister

iii. in response to a request by a House or a Committee of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia

iv. within the Department, or with another agency, where this serves the Australian Government’s legitimate interests

v. where the information is authorised or required by law to be disclosed, noting that information submitted to the Australian Government is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) and its requirements

vi. where the information is already in the public domain otherwise than due to a breach of any relevant confidentiality obligation by the Australian Government.

In submitting an Application, Applicants consent to the Department using the information submitted for the above mentioned purposes, for administering the Programme, any other relevant programmes and any other incidental or related purpose.

Applicants should be aware if they are successful, Commonwealth policy requires the Department to publish information on its website about Recipients, including but not limited to the:

i. name of the person or entity receiving the funding

ii. title and purpose of the Project

iii. amount of funding awarded

iv. term of the funding

v. funding location.

By submitting an Application for funding under the Programme, the Applicant consents to publication of the above information by the Department if they are awarded funding under the Programme.

The Department will store and use the personal information collected by it in compliance with its obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Applicants may access or correct personal information by either emailing the Department at: [email protected] or sending a letter to the Department’s postal address (see Part 9).

In accordance with the Funding Agreement, recipients will be required to acknowledge Australian Government support. Any signage, communication products or publications related to the Project must contain an acknowledgement as reasonably required by the Department.



Part 9: Enquiries and complaints All enquiries will be handled consistent with the Department’s Service Charter 2014–16, available from the Department’s website www.environment.gov.au

If an Applicant is dissatisfied with the way their Application has been handled by the Department, the Applicant can lodge a complaint by contacting the Department via [email protected] or by mail to:

20 Million Trees Programme Biodiversity Conservation Division Department of the Environment GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601

The complaint will be managed in line with the Department’s Complaints Management Policy. The Department is committed to consistent, fair and confidential handling of complaints and to resolving complaints as quickly as possible. Feedback and complaints will be handled impartially and in a confidential manner.

Part 10: Contact details For more information about the Programme visit:

www.nrm.gov.au/20-million-trees

Email questions about the Application process to [email protected] or phone 1800 552 008.

For more information about the Australian Government’s Cleaner Environment Plan, visit:

www.environment.gov.au/cleaner-environment

Photo: Rainforest seedlings ready for planting (Department of the Environment)

http://www.environment.gov.au




http://www.environment.gov.au/cleaner-environment


Part 11: Useful references

Monitoring and reporting • Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and

Improvement Strategy: www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri/index.html

National Strategies • Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework:

www.environment.gov.au/resource/australias-native-vegetation-framework

• Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy-2010–30/index.html

• Strategy for Australia’s National Reserve System 2009–2030: www.environment.gov.au/node/21198

Matters of National Environmental Significance—lists, tools and plans

Ramsar-listed wetlands • Information on Ramsar wetlands, management plans

and ecological character descriptions: www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/ramsar-convention-wetlands

World Heritage areas • Information on Australia’s World Heritage areas:

www.environment.gov.au/topics/heritage/about-australias-heritage/world-heritage

Threatened species and ecological communities• Threatened species and ecological communities:

www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html

• Threatened species and ecological communities listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (the EPBC Act): www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/species-communities.html

• Key threatening processes listed under the EPBC Act: www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl

• Threat abatement plans established under the EPBC Act: www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/threatened-species-ecological-communities/threat-abatement-plans

• Recovery plans established under the EPBC Act: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-list-common.html

• Migratory species listed under the EPBC Act: www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowmigratory.pl

• Conservation advice by NRM region: www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/conservationadvice.pl?proc=main

• Protected matters search tool: www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

• Atlas of Living Australia: www.ala.org.au/

• Managing national heritage places: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/management/national/index.html

• Regional natural resource management plans, issues for the region and contact information: www.nrm.gov.au/about/nrm/regions/index.html

• Australian Natural Heritage Assessment Tool (including regional biodiversity summaries): www.environment.gov.au/heritage/anhat/index.html

• Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia: www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important

Exotic and invasive species

Feral animals • Australian Pest Animal Strategy:

www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pest-animal-strategy.html or www.apas.net.au/

• Feral animals in Australia: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ferals/index.html

http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/meri/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/australias-native-vegetation-framework

http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/australias-native-vegetation-framework

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy-2010-30/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/strategy-2010-30/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/node/21198

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/ramsar-convention-wetlands



http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/heritage/about-australias-heritage/world-heritage

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/heritage/about-australias-heritage/world-heritage

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/species-communities.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/protect/species-communities.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicgetkeythreats.pl

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/threatened-species-ecological-communities/threat-abatement-plans



http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-list-common.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-list-common.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowmigratory.pl

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowmigratory.pl

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/conservationadvice.pl?proc=main

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/conservationadvice.pl?proc=main

http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html

http://www.ala.org.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/management/national/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/management/national/index.html

http://www.nrm.gov.au/about/nrm/regions/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/anhat/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/australian-wetlands-database/directory-important



http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pest-animal-strategy.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pest-animal-strategy.html

http://www.apas.net.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ferals/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/ferals/index.html


Invasive plants • The Australian Weeds Strategy:

www.weeds.org.au/docs/The Australian Weeds Strategy.pdf

• Weed spread and management action maps: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/index.html

• Atlas of Living Australia: www.ala.org.au/australias-species/

• Weeds of national significance and other lists of weeds of national interest: www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/index.html

• Weed management plans, training, weeds facilitator contacts: www.weeds.org.au/

• Further information on core attributes for surveying and mapping nationally significant weeds: www.environment.gov.au/node/14124

Photo: The forest landscape of Dungrove Farm near Bothwell, Tasmania (Nick Rains)

http://www.weeds.org.au/docs/The%20Australian%20Weeds%20Strategy.pdf

http://www.weeds.org.au/docs/The%20Australian%20Weeds%20Strategy.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/index.html

http://www.ala.org.au/australias-species/

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/weeds/lists/index.html

http://www.weeds.org.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/node/14124


Part 12: GlossaryTerm Definition

Benchmark Site A site that best represents the target native vegetation community to be established by the Project, relative to the average characteristics of a mature and long undisturbed patch of the same vegetation type.

Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources (including terrestrial, aquatic, marine and other ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part), at all levels of organisation, including genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity.

Business-as-usual (environmental stewardship)

Business-as-usual activities are those undertaken as part of the usual practice and/or legally required process of managing land, i.e. the activities undertaken in the day to day land management. Such activities may include pasture improvement, weed reporting and management as required by state law, or fencing for stock. Business-as-usual does not include the core business of environmental or conservation groups, organisations or individuals.

Condition (of native vegetation)

The capacity of a native vegetation community to support the full range of native species that might be expected to use a stand of vegetation of a particular type under natural circumstances. Any native vegetation patch can be assessed relative to the average characteristics of a mature and long undisturbed patch of the same vegetation type (a benchmark or reference state).

Connectivity The capacity of landscapes or aquatic environments to allow ecological movement and function. The broad concept can be considered to have several main elements:

• landscape connectivity—the physical connection between areas with vegetation cover across a landscape

• habitat connectivity—the connection between patches of habitat suitable to particular species

• ecological connectivity—the ecological processes that underpin the function of landscapes; for example, the transfer of pollen or seeds and the sequestration of soil carbon

• evolutionary connectivity—populations of species are able to interact naturally, sharing genes and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Conservation advice

Conservation advice provides guidance on immediate recovery and threat abatement activities that can be undertaken to ensure the conservation of a newly listed threatened species or ecological community under the EPBC Act.

Conservation advice includes practical on-ground activities that can be implemented by local communities, natural resource management groups or interested individuals, such as landholders. It can also include broader management actions which can be undertaken by organisations such as local councils, government agencies or non-government organisations, to protect the species or ecological community on a regional level (www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/threatened-species-ecological-communities/conservation-advices).

Conservation covenant

A voluntary agreement made between a landholder and an authorised body (such as a Covenant Scheme Provider) that aims to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and/or scientific values of certain land. The owner continues to own, use and live on the land while the natural values of an area are conserved by the landholder in partnership with the Covenant Scheme Provider.

See www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/incentives/covenants for a list of Covenant Scheme Providers.

Conservation Estate

The Conservation Estate includes areas that are managed for long-term environment and heritage conservation purposes. For example, National Reserve System properties such as Indigenous Protected Areas and National Parks, private properties managed under conservation covenant agreements, Ramsar wetland and World Heritage areas.

Corridors Corridors or wildlife corridors are connections across the landscape between habitat patches used by organisms. Such corridors represent one way of achieving various types of connectivity across landscapes, meeting the diverse needs of organisms at multiple scales. They allow short-term movement of organisms seeking resources and breeding opportunities, long-term change in the distribution of organisms (for example, following suitable climatic conditions), and ongoing ecological processes that underpin healthy environments.

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/incentives/covenants

http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/land/national-reserve-system


Term Definition

Ecological communities

Ecological communities are naturally occurring groups of plants and animals. Their species composition can be determined by factors such as soil type, position in the landscape, climate and water availability.

Ecosystem services The functions of natural ecosystems that maintain the atmosphere; provide clean water; control soil erosion, pollution and pests; pollinate plants; and provide many other essential processes. The functioning of natural ecosystems provides services essential to human survival.

Endemic species Species that evolved in the particular location and often not naturally found elsewhere.

EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), Australia’s national environment legislation.

Green Army The Green Army is a hands-on, practical, grassroots environmental action programme that supports local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia. The programme provides opportunities for young Australians aged 17–24 years to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields and explore careers in conservation management, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the environment.

The Australian Government has allocated $525 million to the programme over four years from 1 July 2014.

In-kind contributions

A non-cash input which can be assigned a cash value. This could include labour, or use of machinery or equipment, among other things.

Invasive species Non-native plants or animals that have adverse environmental or economic effects on the regions they invade; species that dominate a region due to a loss of natural predators or controls.

Key threatening process

A process, listed under the EPBC Act that threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of a native species or ecological community. For more information, see www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp.html

Make-good provisions

Make-good provisions require parties to fulfil their obligations through alternative means where they are unable to satisfy the original terms of the contract.

Make-good provisions could be triggered if a proponent is unable to deliver trees through their Project.

National Landcare Programme

The Australian Government’s key natural resource management initiative. The Australian Government is investing $1 billion over four years through the National Landcare Programme in initiatives including the 20 Million Trees Programme; the Whale and Dolphin Protection Plan; the Kimberley Cane Toads Clean Up and Biosecurity Incursion Management.

National Strategies Australia’s national biodiversity policies including:

• Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030

• Australia’s Native Vegetation Framework (2012)

• Australia’s Strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030

• the Australian Pest Animal Strategy (2007)

• the Australian Weeds Strategy (2007).

Natural asset Naturally occurring species, ecosystems, environmental characteristics and ecological processes on which human and other life depends. It includes all biodiversity (produced or wild), water, lands areas, soil and air.

Natural infrastructure

The interconnected network of natural assets needed to maintain and support ecosystems and human life. They provide a wide array of environmental, health and economic benefits such as reducing climate change impacts and sustaining clean air and water.

NRM region Natural resource management regions are based on catchments or bioregions. The Australian Government, in association with state and territory governments, has identified 54 regions covering all of Australia.

A list of natural resource management regions and contacts is provided at: www.nrm.gov.au/about/nrm/regions/index.html

Peri-urban Found at the expanding margins of urban areas. They can have characteristics of urban and rural areas.

Public land Land owned by a government entity or government-related entity, except where such land is leasehold land (i.e. the subject of a 99 year lease or a pastoral lease).

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp.html


Term Definition

Ramsar The intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Regional For the purposes of the Programme, regional refers to all land outside of urban and peri-urban areas, including remote areas.

Remnant native vegetation

One or more areas of largely intact (structurally and/or compositionally) native vegetation that remains after the removal (usually by clearing) of parts of a natural area. Definitions of remnant vegetation may vary from state to state, defined under relevant legislation.

Resilience Resilience of an ecosystem refers to its capacity to adapt to changes and disturbances, yet retain its basic function and structures.

Revegetation The re-establishment of vegetation in areas that have been cleared or highly modified. Revegetation methods include planting tubestock and direct seeding.

Terrestrial Ecosystems that are not aquatic or marine.

Threat Abatement Plans

These plans provide for the research, management, and any other actions necessary to reduce the impact of a listed key threatening process on native species and ecological communities. Implementing the plan should assist the long term survival in the wild of affected native species or ecological communities.

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