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Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund Program Guidelines Round 3 – 2016/17 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT Version 1 Developed: 1 July 2016 Contents Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 2 Policy context and program rationale ........................................................................................................... 2 Relevance to NT Government vision: Framing the Future ............................................................................ 3 Relevance to other whole-of-government strategies ................................................................................... 4 Program description ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Description................................................................................................................................................. 5 Objectives ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 What are we trying to achieve? ................................................................................................................ 5 Guiding principles .......................................................................................................................................... 5 How are we going to do it? ....................................................................................................................... 5 Program Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 6 What projects will be funded? .................................................................................................................. 6 Projects that will generally not be funded ................................................................................................ 6 Who can apply ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Criteria and application process .................................................................................................................... 6 Core REIF criteria ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Application process ................................................................................................................................... 7 Withdrawal of approval ............................................................................................................................. 8 Privacy notice ............................................................................................................................................ 8 Terms and conditions .................................................................................................................................... 8 GST ............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Payment arrangements ............................................................................................................................. 8 Evaluation and reporting ............................................................................................................................... 9 For more information .................................................................................................................................... 9 1 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 Overview This document sets out the program guidelines and application process for the Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund (REIF). REIF is the Department of Transport’s grant program to advance the economic development of regional and remote areas by investing in infrastructure and roads. The Fund has two strategic objectives: 1. Create sustainable local jobs 2. Develop new or increase growth in business enterprises as a result of investment. In 2016/17, $10 million is available in grants to local government, community and Indigenous organisations for the delivery of projects that will stimulate economic development, create employment and benefit communities. Policy context and program rationale Investing in infrastructure and supporting industry development has a major impact on the economic and social wellbeing of communities across the Northern Territory. Without investment in roads, parks, schools, museums, hospitals and ports our communities cannot develop and grow. Supporting infrastructure development to respond to the needs of communities and industry is a key goal of the Department of Transport. It leads to an increase in economic opportunities, which contributes to building a prosperous economy and a strong society - key objectives under the NT Government’s plan for the Territory, Framing the Future. Investing in a robust road network across the Territory creates new business opportunities in regional areas and contributes to efficiencies in existing business operations. This in turn leads to the creation of jobs and wealth in regional and remote areas which has wide-reaching benefits for all Territorians. A reliable and efficient transport network also means improved access to health, employment and educational opportunities as well as improved social, cultural and recreational connections for remote Territorians. The Northern Territory road network is essential to keeping communities connected to the economy. Reliable road infrastructure is essential to fostering growth across the Northern Territory’s major industries such as resources, tourism, agriculture and transport – all of which are key drivers of the Territory’s economy. The REIF has a clear focus on delivering social outcomes for Territorians through the creation of jobs and supporting economic growth to advance the development of Northern Australia. The underpinning approach to the delivery of this goal is the recognition that local organisations, particularly local governments, are pivotal in identifying opportunities for the development of their own communities and unlocking the potential of our regions. Local government makes a significant contribution to the Territory economy, collectively employing approximately 1,400 people, managing assets valued at over $900 million and spending over $220 million in the Northern Territory economy every year.1 Local governments are also responsible for management of approximately one third of the entire NT road network. 1 Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, 'About Local Government', accessed 15 June 2016, http://www.lgant.asn.au/about_local_government 2 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 While the Department of Transport is responsible for the care, control and management of 22,000km of the total 36,000km NT road network, local governments manage the majority of the remaining 14,000km of the network. Councils typically experience considerable budget constraints in raising revenue to undertake infrastructure upgrades, maintenance and developments on these roads. This is particularly true for regional and remote based Councils. Regional Councils rely on grants from the NT and Australian Governments for approximately 65% of their budgets compared with roughly 22% dependence on grants by Town Councils. This challenge in raising revenue for regionally based Councils poses issues in meeting the maintenance requirements of existing roads and planning for future infrastructure needs. The REIF program is an important initiative addressing local government’s need for resources to enable infrastructure and economic growth to improve social and economic outcomes in our regions. Further to this, resourcing local communities to identify and resolve their own infrastructure needs fosters innovation, sustainability and collaborative, respectful partnerships. This approach is consistent with the Department’s values outlined in the Strategic Plan 2014-18 which aims to achieve the best results for the NT. Relevance to NT Government vision: Framing the Future The REIF will contribute to the following objectives which form part of the Northern Territory Government’s Framing the Future Strategic Plan. An economy that creates wealth and jobs An economy that captures the ideas, energy and opportunities across the Territory 3 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 An economy that lands new local, national and international investment A society that values an individual’s right to freedom and ensures everyone has the same access to opportunities and resources to make a contribution to, and participate in, society and the economy A society that is safe for all – at home, at school, in the workplace and while travelling An environment that is sustainable An environment that is well managed including urban design and public space. Relevance to other whole-of-government strategies NT Buy local The Northern Territory Government actively supports local business through procuring its goods and services in accordance with the Buy Local Plan. Government grant recipients are strongly encouraged to adopt similar principles when procuring their own goods and services. This ensures that the largest possible proportion of every dollar spent by the NT Government is retained within and delivers benefits for the Territory economy and community. For more information visit www.buylocal.nt.gov.au/. 4 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 Program description Description The Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund creates opportunities for economic growth in regional locations by enhancing the appeal and liveability of rural and remote areas and improving local infrastructure. It does this by providing grants to eligible organisations to undertake small to large size infrastructure projects (and feasibility studies) which will stimulate economic development, create employment and generally benefit communities. Objectives What are we trying to achieve? The Fund has two strategic objectives: 1. Create sustainable local jobs; and 2. Develop new or increase growth in business enterprises as a result of the investment. The focus on creating ‘sustainable’ and ‘local’ jobs is about ensuring employment opportunities, which come about as a result of the grant, extend beyond the project time frame and lead to ongoing or long term employment opportunities for people living in regional and remote areas. Growing business enterprises is about stimulating economic growth in regional and remote areas. In previous grant rounds, this has primarily focussed on the tourism and agricultural sectors by either improving access to a location or business, or creating efficiencies in business operation through infrastructure enhancement. Guiding principles How are we going to do it? Leveraging off other investment Where possible, REIF projects should complement other investment initiatives leveraging the highest possible yield in terms of economic and social benefits to the community. This includes leveraging off private sector investment, other NT Government grants and initiatives, and/or Australian Government funding. Adopting a place-based approach The “place-based” approach which underpins REIF recognises that local government organisations, community and Indigenous organisations based in the Northern Territory are best placed to identify opportunities for the development of their own communities. This grass-roots approach is the best strategy to empower communities to build a prosperous economy and strong society. A place-based approach is also consistent with principles of self-determination, a key cultural consideration in the implementation of all government policy. Maintaining a regional/remote focus on project sponsorship The majority of the road network under the responsibility of councils falls within Regional Shires. Councils situated in regional and remote areas rely heavily on grant funding as they have less capacity to raise revenue from rates when compared to councils situated in urban areas. As such, regional councils are under considerable financial pressure to resource infrastructure projects and aid economic advancement in their shires. 5 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 Program Scope What projects will be funded? Funding is only available for clearly identified infrastructure initiatives that can be completed and acquitted within a specified time frame. Projects can extend beyond the 2016/17 financial year. Projects could include but are not limited to: Feasibility studies, detailed project plans or design works One off capital or minor new works projects Construction projects. Projects that will generally not be funded The following activities will generally not be considered for funding: Projects that do not demonstrate economic and social benefits Projects which are not implementation ready Projects that do not demonstrate a need Requests for retrospective funding where projects have commenced (i.e. equipment purchased, contracts entered into or construction has begun), or those projects that are completed prior to receiving funding approval Ongoing operating costs or salary subsidies Any activity of a commercial or business nature that does not demonstrate direct benefit to the broader community Applications submitted by individuals Non Northern Territory based projects and organisations Projects by organisations established for profit or for financial gain to members Projects of government agencies Other items that the panel assess as not meeting the aims/objectives of the grants. Who can apply Applications will be considered from: Indigenous organisations and enterprises Community and non-government organisations that are not-for-profit Local government authorities Individuals are not eligible to apply. Criteria and application process In addressing the below criteria, applicants should also consider incorporating how the project adheres to the guiding principles outline above. Core REIF criteria Applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project: 1. Will result in economic benefits to the community. Specifically, how the project will: Result in new or increased investment opportunities Complement other investment opportunities in the region Create sustainable jobs and stimulate economic growth Remove infrastructure barriers to create a direct incentive for business investment. 6 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 2. Will result in social and community benefits. Specifically, how the project will: Provide adequate social return to the community Has relevant community and industry support 3. Is feasible in terms of project delivery, including consideration that: All legal, land tenure, planning and environmental issues have been identified and resolved or satisfactory resolution strategies are in place Project management support is available for both the developmental and operational phases of the project Project risks have been identified and strategies are in place to manage them. 4. Is financially viable in that: The project is not dependent on ongoing funding or continuing government support Evidence is provided for approved funding from other sources if they are necessary for the success of the project. 5. Will maximise value to the Territory. Application process Step 1: Prior to application, applicants should: Establish eligibility to apply. Refer to Program Scope. Have a clear understanding of the community need to be addressed, the proposed work and the expected economic and social benefits. Discuss the proposed application with the grants officer (if unsure) to determine whether it sits within the guidelines. Read the terms and conditions outlined in the next section. Step 2: Preparing the application, applicants should: Complete the application form located on the website. Attach supporting documentation. Email the application to [email protected] before 7 September 2016. Step 3: As part of the assessment process: Applications will undergo a formal assessment process by the Department of Transport, to determine the proposed project’s eligibility by meeting the core REIF criteria. Eligible applications will then be assessed by a whole-of-government panel prior to consideration by the Minister for Transport. The Chairperson of the panel will make a recommendation to the Minister after considering a range of elements including the project’s eligibility and criterions met. Step 4: Approval and notification process: The Minister for Transport will consider the advice received from the REIF panel and where appropriate, advice from others to determine the approved applications for funding. 7 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 All applicants will be advised of the decision relating to their application in writing. Successful applicants will receive a letter of offer from the Minister for Transport. The letter of offer will outline the funding obligations within the funding agreement. Withdrawal of approval Government reserves the right to withdraw approval for your grant at any time, if there is a material change in circumstances in the nature or financial viability of the project or the organisation. Privacy notice Information collected from applications will be used to assess applications against the Regional Economic Infrastructure Fund grants program criteria. Should an application be successful, information provided may be used for the purpose of promoting and reporting on the REIF grants program. Information may be distributed via press releases, publications and websites. Terms and conditions Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with the Northern Territory Government detailing all funding obligations and conditions. Detailed terms and conditions are within the funding agreement. The standard terms and conditions on which the funding is offered: The organising body will use the funds for the approved project as detailed. The organising body or, where applicable, its auspicing body will provide a financial acquittal of grant funding post project completion. A financial acquittal form will be provided along with legal agreement. If, for any reason, it is not possible to carry out all or any part of the project for which the funding is provided, the Department of Transport is to be notified and either unexpended funds shall be repaid or variation of purpose proposed. The organising body will acknowledge the Northern Territory Government in all relevant promotion and advertising material. The funding agreement is a legally enforceable document that clearly defines the obligations of both parties. The funding agreement aims to protect the Northern Territory Government’s interests and to ensure the efficient and effective use of public money. Successful applicants must enter into a funding agreement and undertake the project as stipulated in the agreement. GST Applicants should note that all project costs included in the application must be exclusive of GST. GST is unlikely to apply to these grants however will be considered on a case by case basis. Payment arrangements Payment will be made by direct transfer or monies into the nominated bank account of the organising body or, where applicable, the auspicing body. Before payment can be made the following documentation will need to be submitted: Signed agreement to conditions of funding; and 8 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016 Tax compliant invoices After receiving notification of a successful application, the organising body will be forwarded the agreement documentation for signature and return prior to the funding payment. Larger funds will be broken into milestones and paid accordingly. Evaluation and reporting Successful applicants will be required to cooperate fully with an evaluation which is undertaken either during or after completion of the project. Successful applicants will also be required to submit progress and completion reports, assess progress of the project against milestones, outputs and outcomes, and provide evidence of project completion including photos (where applicable). For more information Visit: www.transport.nt.gov.au/ntroads/grants Phone: 08 8924 7118 Email: [email protected] 9 – REIF Guidelines Round 3 2016