Fence re-building program

The $1.195 million Fence Re-building Program (the Program) is part of the Early Needs Recovery Program (ENRP) under the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package (PISP) that is co-funded 50-50 by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). This Package announced in March 2022, is designed to support recovery, rebuilding and resilience efforts for primary producers and industries which have been significantly impacted by floods. Local Government Areas (LGAs) in NSW have been declared a natural disaster zone under the Australian Government Reference Number (AGRN 1012), including areas in the NSW Mid and North Coast that have been significantly affected.

The program is administered by Local Land Services (LLS) and seeks to support volunteer-based Not- for-profit organisations who are providing assistance to primary producers to repair and rebuild fences that received direct damage from the severe weather and floods that occurred from 22 February 2022 onwards (AGRN 1012).

The is a targeted, competitive grant opportunity offered over one round of funding. All applicants are encouraged to read the guidelines prior to applying. All projects are required to be completed by 28 February 2024.

Eligible organisations can apply for funding up to $370,000. Total eligible grants cannot exceed the amount of available funds.

Fence Re-building Program Grant – Extension Round 2 (Not-for-profits)

To be eligible for grant funding, an applicant must meet each of the following criteria:

• Have received an invite from LLS to apply for the grant
• Be a volunteer-based Not-for-profit organisation
• Be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and confirm if registered for GST
• Have or will be providing fence repair and rebuilding services to Primary Producers within the defined disaster area for the NSW storms and floods that occurred from 22 February 2022 onwards (AGRN 1012).
• Fences being repaired and constructed must have been directly damaged by severe weather and floods that occurred from 22 February 2022 onwards (AGRN 1012).
• Fences must be constructed to a stock proof condition and future flooding events must be considered in placement and type of construction.
• Be using volunteer labour to carry out the fence repair and rebuilding services with supervision from experienced personnel.
• Be directly managing staff (volunteer or otherwise) who will be delivering the project services. That is, money cannot be provided to another organisation to deliver the services on behalf of the applicant (sub-contracting etc).
• Hold all relevant insurances including a minimum of $20 million public liability insurance
• Have a Workplace Health and Safety Plan and comply with Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
• Have a biosecurity plan.
• Be able to commence within 3 months of the commencement of the funding deed; have completed ground works by 28 February 2024 and be completed by 24th April 2024 as outlined in the project deed.

Grants open – 9am AEST 31 July 2023

Grants close – 12pm AEST 16 August 2023

For more information and to request documentation including grant guidelines and an application form, please contact Lana Andrews (Project Coordinator) Early Needs Recovery Program recovery@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0417 328 615.