Funding for projects that improve the resilience of communities associated with large-scale natural hazards

Overview

The Preparing Australian Communities – Local Stream Program provides locally identified and locally led projects with up to $10 million in funding to improve the resilience of communities against natural hazards.

Project Background

The Stock Water Recovery (SWR) project aims to improve the health of livestock across the North Coast. It is funded by the NSW Government to stimulate recovery of the natural environment, farming enterprises and local businesses after the 2019-20 bushfires.
North Coast Local Land Services has identified access to off stream water as a priority for recovery in the region post fire and drought. By focusing on surface water and planning for fire risk, this project will help farmers to:
• Provide stock water infrastructure post fire
• Increase off stream water for livestock
• Improve animal health outcomes through better access to water
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend an on farm workshop or webinar to learn more about stock water management options.

Grants for on farm works

Livestock owners within the North Coast region are eligible to apply for this grant.
The following map indicates the eligible project area which is the North Coast region.
Properties affected by the 2019/2020 fire will be prioritised, however all properties in the North Coast region are eligible.

Activities eligible for funding:

Activities that are eligible for SWR Grants include:
• Stock exclusion fencing from water sources
(e.g. dams, streams, waterways)
• Install new troughs preferencing fire proof materials
• Pipes, connections and fixings (including burial)
• Tanks (stock water only)
• Pumps
• Bird savers and wildlife protection / ramps for troughs
• Improvements to existing dams –cleaning or de-silting,
hardened access for livestock
• New dam*
• Aquatic weed control for water quality
• Earthworks to establish contour banks
* Conditions apply

Other activities (not listed in the ‘Activities Eligible’ Section above), will be considered for funding where they are likely to result in improved water security relating to animal health outcomes. These activities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that proposing an eligible activity does not guarantee that your application will be successful. Your project will be assessed against the essential criteria in this document along with your proximity to the fire scar. Your project will need to meet a minimum benchmark and be compared with other applications.

How to apply for grant

Applying for a grant through SWR is a simple process.
The steps involved are:
1. Read these guidelines to see if you and your proposed
works are eligible CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES

2. Complete an Expression of Interest form online and
submit by Friday 15 January 2021 CLICK HERE TO GO TO LAND SERVICES INFORMATION PAGE

Contact Land Services NSW; If you have any questions or require further information please
call you our nearest Local Land Service Office on 1300 795 299.

*The information referenced in this article is from the govt website

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