National Landcare Forum Subsidy Guidelines

1.1 Purpose of Grant

The National Landcare Forum subsidy ($400 GST inclusive) aims to enable eligible individuals, who represent community and Landcare groups actively engaged in natural resource management activities, to attend the National Landcare Forum which will be held from 23 to 25 March 2010 in Adelaide.

This subsidy will provide individuals, and ultimately community and Landcare groups, the opportunity:

• to learn about the latest research developments in Natural Resource Management (NRM) and sustainable agriculture
• to learn about and contribute to the developing National Landcare Framework
• to develop new networks and new skills
• to celebrate 20 years of achievements and the significant contribution the community has made over the last 20 years.

1.2 Eligibility

To be eligible for the National Landcare Forum subsidy ($400 GST inclusive), an applicant must represent:

• a community or Landcare group that is actively engaged in natural resource management activities; and
• a group that will benefit from a member attending the National Landcare Forum; and
• a group that, without the subsidy, would be unlikely to send a representative to the National Landcare Forum.

1.3 Applying for the National Landcare Forum subsidy

All applicants will be required to complete a request for subsidy with their respective NRM regional body or where the NRM regional body is not assisting to administer the subsidy, the administering party.

1.4 Implementation

The National Landcare Forum subsidy will be administered and determined by each respective NRM regional body or administering party. In determining suitable candidates, NRM regional bodies or administering party are requested to consult with their state National Landcare Forum representative (list below). Please note: NRM body employees are not eligible to apply for the subsidy.

1.5 Rate Payable

$400 (GST inclusive) per individual.

1.6 Key Dates

Successful recipients are to be determined by COB 10 March 2010.

The National Landcare Forum commences on 23 March 2010 and concludes on 25 March 2010 with field trips. Successful recipients may attend all or part of the National Landcare Forum.

1.7 Applying Income and Assets Tests

There is no income or assets test. Eligibility is determined by the respective NRM regional body or administering party in consultation with their respective Landcare forum committee representative listed below. 

1.8 Taxability

GST is included in the grant amount. Successful recipients should speak with their respective financial adviser regarding taxation treatment of the subsidy. 

1.9 Method of Payment

Successful recipients will receive $400 (GST inclusive) from their respective NRM regional body or the administering party to be paid in a manner determined by the NRM regional body or administering party.

The Australian Government will reimburse the NRM regional body or administering party on receipt of a tax invoice (please note GST is included in the grant amount) and appropriate documentation outlining the nature of the payments and the names of the subsidy recipients. The Australian Government will authorise the waiver of the forum registration fee upon confirmation from the NRM body or administering party that the recipient has been successful in obtaining a subsidy.

The NRM regional body or the administering party will be notified by the Australian Government that the successful recipients’ registrations have been completed.

1.10 Review and Appeals

If an unsuccessful applicant wishes to appeal the decision of the NRM body or the administering party, the said applicant is required to write, within 5 days of being notified that they were unsuccessful in obtaining the subsidy, to the Director, Landcare Futures, GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601 outlining the circumstances. The Director, Landcare Futures, will conduct an independent review of the decision.

Applicants must note that there are only limited subsidies available and once positions for that region are filled – no further applications will be considered.