COASTAL SMALL GRANTS
ROUND 5 INFORMATION
FACT SHEET 6
Information sheet– Frequently asked questions
Does Coastal Small Grants only deal with native vegetation?
Coastal Small Grants is focussed on native vegetation. Management actions should aim to improve the
quality and / or extent of native vegetation on the site.
What are land management services?
Land management services are the habitat management or revegetation services that a proponent
agrees to provide for the duration of the management agreement to improve the quality of native
vegetation on site. These services are based on management actions over and above those required by
current arrangements and legislation. Typical services may include protection of existing native
vegetation assets (e.g. Coastal Moonah communities) and/or active management of key habitat
components (e.g. specific weed control).
How will I know what management actions to undertake?
Coastal Small Grants field officers have already provided some additional advice to proponents reflecting
project ideas and discussions on site. Through these meetings management actions, timing and how to
address potential threats were further identified.
How will I know how much to apply for?
Funding rates detailed in the application guidelines are the maximum rates to be applied. Proponents may
wish to apply for lesser rates in order to ensure that proposals are more competitive. Proposals will be
assessed based on a cost versus benefit basis.
How do I put in an application?
The management plan you have now received is based on actions previously discussed between the
proponent and the Coastal Small Grants field officer. Proponents can submit their application using the
supplied postage-paid envelope or via email ([email protected]). In so doing, proponents
acknowledge that the application and management plan is final.
When do I have to submit my application?
Proponents have 21 calendar days from the date their management plan is sent to them to put together
their application and submit it to the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. Late submissions
may not be accepted. The application can be posted in the reply-paid envelope or hand-delivered to
Corangamite CMA, 64 Dennis St, Colac or emailed to [email protected]. For hand
deliveries, the office is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
What if I want to alter the management actions in the management plan?
After receipt of the management plan, should a proponent seek an amendment to the management plan
this request must be made within 14 calendar days of the plan being sent to the proponent, to ensure that
processing of changes can occur in a manner that does not delay the program. Where the Corangamite
CMA representative makes the amendment and re-issues the plan, the proponent may be given up to 21
calendar days (from the date the revised plan is sent to the proponent) to submit their application.
If the plan is required to be changed more than once by the proponent, the ability to process these
changes will be limited by the need for ensuring that the integrity of the overall project end date is
maintained.
To make changes to their plans, proponents should contact the Coastal Small Grants Project Manager on
0407 341 350 (not available Thursdays).
Prepared January 2017
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority ABN: 60 355 974 029
PO Box 159, 64 Dennis Street, Colac, Victoria, 3250
t: 03 5232 9100 f: 03 5232 2759
e: [email protected] w.www.ccma.vic.gov.au
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COASTAL SMALL GRANTS
ROUND 5 INFORMATION
FACT SHEET 6
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be assessed according to the selection criteria outlined in the application guidelines and
on a cost versus benefit basis.
How will the fairness of the assessment process be guaranteed?
Each proposal will be assessed against the selection criteria by an experienced panel consisting of CMA
staff and members of the CMA Coastal Program Steering Committee.
How will I find out if I am successful?
Both successful and unsuccessful proponents will be notified by letter when the assessment and approval
process is completed.
What happens if I am not successful?
If an application is unsuccessful, it will be because it does not represent adequate “value for money”.
Unsuccessful proponents will be made aware of other extension programs and financial support schemes
that may be able to assist them with management of their site. If requested, the Coastal Small Grants
Project Manager would also be willing to discuss how to improve unsuccessful proposals for future
consideration.
How long are the agreements for?
Proponents will enter into a management agreement according to the length of the management plan
developed. Beyond this fixed-term of active management, there is a requirement to maintain the condition
reached for a further 10 years.
What is in the agreement?
The agreement is a simple, plain-English document of three to five pages. It will contain a date of
commencement and termination; obligations of the proponent, land manager and Corangamite CMA and
interpretation clauses. The agreement will also contain a number of schedules such as the agreed
management plan (agreed type and timing of management actions) and a site plan.
How will the agreements be monitored?
Proponents will be required to submit a six monthly report to Corangamite CMA that details the actions
undertaken during the preceding six months and describes progress towards targets. Corangamite CMA
will seek to revisit each site annually (depending on the number of sites). Any breach of an agreement
may result in the cessation of payments.
How will the proponent be paid?
Payments will be by cheque or eftpos and the payments may be subject to proponents submitting a
report verifying the actions undertaken in the preceding six months.
Can the proposed management actions be changed once the agreement has been signed?
Agreements can be varied with the written consent of both parties. In general, only actions that lead to an
equal or improved outcome will be considered and negotiation of payment amounts will need to be
discussed.
What if I change my mind?
Proponents can withdraw from the process at any time without obligation, up to signing the final
management agreement. Proponents wishing to withdraw from the agreement after this time should
contact the project manager to discuss options.
Prepared January 2017
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority ABN: 60 355 974 029
PO Box 159, 64 Dennis Street, Colac, Victoria, 3250
t: 03 5232 9100 f: 03 5232 2759
e: [email protected] w.www.ccma.vic.gov.au
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COASTAL SMALL GRANTS
ROUND 5 INFORMATION
FACT SHEET 6
What happens at the end of the fixed-term agreement period?
Proponents’ management obligations under the fixed-term agreements cease at the end of the
agreement period and they will be able to manage the vegetation according to their own wishes in
accordance with other responsibilities applying at that time. However, there is a requirement to maintain
the condition reached at the end of the agreement for a further 10 years.
As required with current incentive schemes, proponents who receive funding to erect fences will be
required to maintain these fences for a period of 10 years from the date of the agreement.
What about public funds from other sources?
Proponents who sign Coastal Small Grant management agreements will not be eligible to receive further
funding through any other publicly funded assistance program for those management actions identified in
the management agreement for the same site over the period of the agreement.
This project is supported by Corangamite CMA, through funding from the Australian Government
Prepared January 2017
Corangamite Catchment Management Authority ABN: 60 355 974 029
PO Box 159, 64 Dennis Street, Colac, Victoria, 3250
t: 03 5232 9100 f: 03 5232 2759
e: [email protected] w.www.ccma.vic.gov.au
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