Business plan 2012–13

How we will invest – different approaches

Caring for our Country will continue to use a mix of investment approaches designed to most effectively deliver on each target and achieve identified outcomes.

Caring for our Country provides funding for a broad range of sustainable land management and environmental protection work.

We believe it is important to be flexible when designing how best to deliver on certain targets and when selecting the most appropriate investment approaches to meet the needs of specific stakeholder groups.

We recognise that groups will work differently to achieve outcomes and a variety of investment approaches is required. In some cases a negotiated investment approach will ensure the best outcome.

The range of available investment approaches that will help applicants direct their efforts and time as effectively as possible when seeking funding is outlined below.

Application closing dates are outlined in how to apply, along with details on how to develop your application and how they will be assessed.

The Australian Government reserves the right to negotiate with applicants to establish the most appropriate project for investment and delivery of Caring for our Country funds.

Open call

In this business plan, applications are invited through the open call investment process for projects over $20 000 (GST exclusive). As a guide, projects are not expected to exceed $500 000 (GST exclusive).

The exception to the $500 000 guide is land acquisition proposals under the National Reserve System (NRS) where land value is a factor.

The open call investment process is the principal way in which funding for projects can be sought under this business plan. It provides the opportunity for diverse groups and organisations to obtain funding.

For example, applicants can submit open call applications to address targets related to Ramsar wetlands, the NRS, coastal community engagement and sustainable farm practices.

Applicants should plan their projects to meet these Caring for our Country targets.

Partnerships with business and industry

The Government encourages groups and organisations to leverage matching funding from business and industry sectors for projects which directly contribute to Caring for our Country targets and outcomes.

There is an increased focus in business and industry on issues such as climate change adaptation, supply chain and corporate social responsibility. This is an opportunity for them to achieve natural resource management outcomes–partnered and working with regional natural resource management organisations, local and state government agencies, non-government organisations, local community groups, research institutions and Indigenous organisations.

Examples include a mining company working with a local community group to improve local wetlands, and fishing cooperatives supporting Landcare to improve riparian vegetation and minimise the effluent run-off from dairy farms to improve water quality for fish habitat and oyster farming.

These applications will require a specific commitment in writing from the co-investors.

Organisations and groups working together can achieve positive change. The Government encourages partnerships but understands that developing and maintaining them takes time, effort and commitment.

There is no absolute requirement to develop new partnerships for applications under this business plan, unless the partnership is critical to the delivery of the project.

Community Action Grants

The 2012–13 Community Action Grants round is expected to open for applications in early 2012. Applications will be invited from local community groups (established for more than 12 months) that are successfully delivering projects to support sustainable farming or protect and enhance the natural environment as well as for established and emerging Indigenous organisations.

Grants of between $5000 and $20 000 (GST exclusive) will be available for a broad range of activities that will contribute to Caring for our Country national priorities.

Community Action Grants aim to increase community group participation in natural resource management, including increasing the engagement and participation rates of urban and regional communities. Community groups working across all geographic areas and land tenures are encouraged to apply. Grants will fund activities such as revegetation, dune rehabilitation, field days, improving land management practices and recording and use of traditional ecological knowledge.

• To apply for a Community Action Grant, please see the guidelines and eligibility criteria available on the Community Action Grants page.

One-off environment recovery responses

The Government may assist in the recovery of the natural environment from the sudden and extreme effects of natural disasters where it aligns with Caring for our Country targets and outcomes and where it will achieve a positive outcome for the environment and natural resources.

Significant requests for assistance are generally coordinated through the relevant state or territory government and will be considered on a case-by-case basis and negotiated separately. Applications for individual projects that address the Caring for our Country targets and at the same time assist in environmental recovery following a natural disaster will be considered through the normal open call or Community Action Grants investment processes.

Such activities should not duplicate other programs that address natural disasters such as under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements. Funding is not available to provide business assistance to affected industries.